Pep Guardiola has issued a strong ultimatum to Manchester City, warning that he will quit as manager unless the club reduces the size of its squad over the summer. The Spaniard is deeply unhappy with having to leave multiple first-team players out of matchday squads, describing it as impossible for his conscience to continue with so many players sidelined.
During the recent 3-1 victory against Bournemouth, several players including Abdukodir Khusanov, Savinho, James McAtee, and Rico Lewis were left watching from the stands, highlighting the extensive depth at Guardiola’s disposal. While this depth can be an asset, Guardiola’s philosophy favors working with a smaller, more manageable group of players, allowing him to give everyone sufficient game time and maintain squad harmony.
“I said to the club I don’t want that,” Guardiola stated, referring to a large squad. “I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer. I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay. It’s impossible for my soul to give my players in the tribune that they cannot play.”
He elaborated on the difficulties of managing a bloated squad, especially in terms of training and selection. “As a manager I cannot train 24 players and every time I select I have to have four, five, six stay in Manchester at home because they cannot play. This is not going to happen. I said to the club. I don’t want that.”
Guardiola also acknowledged the challenges faced earlier this season, when injuries left the squad depleted and he struggled to field a full team. “Maybe for three, four months we couldn’t select 11 players, we didn’t have defenders, it was so difficult. After people come back but next season it cannot be like that.”
City’s squad size ballooned over the winter after the club invested more than £200 million in January, signing four new players to boost competition and cover for injury absences. While this strategy helped reinvigorate their season, it also exacerbated Guardiola’s frustration with squad management and the limited playing opportunities for some players.
This situation is especially poignant as the club prepares for significant departures. Kevin De Bruyne, one of City’s key figures, will leave when his contract expires this summer. His final appearance at the Etihad was an emotional moment for both the player and the fans. Meanwhile, the future of Jack Grealish remains uncertain and is expected to be discussed after the season concludes.
Guardiola’s warning places pressure on the club’s leadership to rethink their transfer strategy and squad management ahead of the new campaign. Reducing the squad size could mean offloading several players who have not featured regularly, which might create some unrest or financial considerations, but Guardiola clearly believes it is essential for the team’s stability and his own commitment.
His stance reflects a manager who prioritizes not just tactical success but also the welfare and morale of his players. By avoiding leaving players on the sidelines for extended periods, Guardiola aims to maintain motivation and a competitive spirit within the squad. The risk of dissatisfaction and unrest in a large squad, where many players feel neglected, is something he is unwilling to accept.
Ultimately, Guardiola’s ultimatum is a call for the club to align with his vision of streamlined squad management. If the club chooses not to heed his advice, the prospect of losing one of the game’s most successful and respected coaches looms large. With the club’s recent spending spree and high expectations, how they respond to Guardiola’s demand will be a defining moment for Manchester City’s future.
