Pep Guardiola has warned Manchester City that he may leave if the squad remains too large. The manager believes a smaller team is better for focus and performance. His strong message has sparked discussions about changes before the next season.
Too Many Players Left Out Each Match
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made it clear he’s unhappy with the size of his current squad. In Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth, several senior and young players did not make the 20-man matchday squad. Big names like Abdukodir Khusanov, Savinho, James McAtee, Claudio Echeverri, and Rico Lewis had to stay out of the team, even though they were fit and available.
While City’s strong performance showed the depth of the team, Pep Guardiola believes this depth is becoming a problem. The manager doesn’t want so many players sitting out every week without a chance to play.
Pep Guardiola’s Strong Message to the Club
Guardiola sent a clear message to the Manchester City board. He said, “I told the club I don’t want this big squad. I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer. If that continues, I will leave. If we have a shorter squad, I’ll stay.”
The Spanish manager added that it is emotionally painful to leave players out of the matchday lineup. “It’s impossible for my soul to leave players just sitting in the stands. It hurts me.”
Pep Talks About Past and Future Problems
Pep Guardiola explained that there were moments earlier in the season when the squad was not large enough. “For three or four months, we couldn’t even choose eleven fit players. We had no defenders. It was hard,” he said.
But now that most players are fit again, Pep feels it is not healthy for the team to have so many unused players. “As a manager, I can’t train 24 players and then leave six at home every game. That can’t happen. I’ve told the club I don’t want this situation.”
Changes May Happen This Summer
Manchester City spent over £200 million on new players in January to cover for injuries. But with most of the team fit now, some players may have to leave. Kevin De Bruyne is already confirmed to leave this summer, and Jack Grealish’s future is also uncertain.
When asked if more players could leave the club soon, Pep Guardiola said it’s up to the board. “That’s a question for the club. But I don’t want 24, 25, or 26 players when everyone is fit. If we have injuries, we can always bring up players from the academy.”
Guardiola Believes a Smaller Squad Builds Team Spirit
Guardiola also shared a deeper reason for wanting fewer players. He said having a smaller squad helps build strong relationships and unity. “It’s not good for the soul of the team. This season, we lost some of that connection among the players.”
He believes that when too many players are left out regularly, it affects their confidence and the overall team spirit. Having a tight squad, according to him, helps players trust each other and grow together.
How Manchester City Compares to Other Clubs
According to Manchester City’s official website, the club currently has 28 first-team players, plus four others out on loan. Premier League clubs are allowed a 25-man squad, not counting young players under 21.
Other clubs also have large squads. Chelsea lists 31 players, with 21 more out on loan. Brighton and Tottenham list 29 players each. Wolves have 30. On the other hand, some clubs have smaller squads—Arsenal has just 24, while Liverpool, Aston Villa, Everton, and Nottingham Forest each have 25.
Guardiola has always preferred working with a small group. At the start of the 2023/24 season, he went ahead with just 20 senior players. Now, he wants to return to that system—fewer players, more focus, and better team unity.
By pushing for a reduced squad, Pep Guardiola hopes to bring balance back to Manchester City and keep the team competitive—without leaving anyone “in the freezer.”
