Pep Guardiola has foreshadowed a significant shake-up at Manchester City, vowing to streamline the current squad—now numbered in the high 20s—to prevent anyone feeling “sad” and left behind when the Premier League season launches in August.
Pep Guardiola to Trim Manchester City Squad to Shield Players from “Sadness”
With a 27‑man squad currently in the U.S. for the FIFA Club World Cup, including emerging talents like Rayan Cherki and Rayan Aït‑Nouri, along with recent acquisitions Tijjani Reijnders and Marcus Bettinelli, Guardiola faces a dilemma.
While he insists he’d love to keep all available talent, pragmatism must prevail.
“The problem is they will be unhappy during the season. They will be sad, they will be disappointed. I don’t want that,” he said ahead of the Club World Cup clash against Al Ain.
The City manager has long favored working with a tight-knit group—around 20 outfield players and three goalkeepers—to maintain cohesion and keep players engaged.
He recently warned he would even quit if forced to manage an unwieldy roster, describing the emotional toll it takes on both coach and player.
This forthcoming clear-out has already put several names under scrutiny. Veteran midfielder Ilkay Gündogan, entering his contract’s final year, has been linked with a move to Galatasaray.
When asked, Guardiola remained cool: “I didn’t speak with him, and if he will not be part [of the squad] he would not be here… Ilkay is absolutely part of my mind and the team”.
Meanwhile, Jack Grealish is reportedly being encouraged to seek regular game time elsewhere—consistent with Guardiola’s strategy of ensuring every player feels fully involved. The Catalan tactician echoed these sentiments:
“I don’t have any complaints about the players… I have more selection but I don’t like to be six, seven players—just in case, no injuries—being at home. So I do it that way. I do it for them.”
This summer’s overhaul aligns with a broader refresh: City offloaded Kevin De Bruyne and could see Kyle Walker, Ederson, Mateo Kovacic, and potentially others move on as the manager seeks the right balance of talent, fitness, and morale.
