Guardiola’s Regrets: Man City Boss Admits He Should Have Trusted In Youth Football
Pep Reflects on Season Struggles as Young Stars Prove Their Worth
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has opened up about his biggest regret this season—not giving his talented youngsters more playing time earlier in the campaign. Despite a recent resurgence, City’s inconsistent form has left them fighting for a top-four finish rather than defending their Premier League title.
A Season of Struggles and Reflection
The reigning champions endured a shocking mid-season slump, suffering four straight defeats in November and December before stumbling through the festive period. While they’ve steadied the ship in recent weeks—remaining unbeaten in their last six league games—Guardiola admits his loyalty to the club’s experienced stars may have cost them.
“Now I ask myself, why didn’t Nico O’Reilly play more in November, December, January? Or James McAtee?” Guardiola said ahead of City’s clash with Wolves. “I should have trusted them earlier. At the time, I thought they weren’t ready—but look at them now. They’ve shown they absolutely are.”
Youth Steps Up as Guardiola Plans for the Future
O’Reilly, 20, has been a revelation since breaking into the team, netting five crucial goals from an unfamiliar left-back role. Meanwhile, McAtee, 22, has cemented his place in midfield, proving he belongs at the highest level.
Guardiola’s shift in philosophy is clear—long-serving stars like Kevin De Bruyne (33) will depart this summer, while January signings Nico González (23), Omar Marmoush (26), and teenage talents Vitor Reis (19) and Abdukodir Khusanov (21) signal a new direction.
Lessons Learned for the Future
“This year has been a huge learning experience,” Guardiola told ESPN. “There’s never just one reason for struggles—it’s many small details, including my own mistakes. We knew a drop would come eventually, but not this steep. What we achieved over nine years was extraordinary, but now we must rebuild.”
With an FA Cup final against Crystal Palace looming and Champions League qualification within reach, City’s season could still end on a high. But Guardiola’s admission makes one thing clear: the era of relying on veterans is over—the kids are ready to take charge.
Phil Foden, Dominic Solanke, Morgan Rogers, Man City
Credit: Imago
Harri Burton
Phil Foden took to social media with a new message after being left on the bench as Man City beat Wolves 1-0 at Etihad Stadium.
The 24-year-old has started just one of the Citizens’ last six matches across all competitions, with supporters cutting the attacking midfielder no slack despite his 15 goal contributions.
Many are expecting Foden to step up once Kevin de Bruyne leave City at the end of the season, but with Pep Guardiola clearly not pleased with his performances, Florian Wirtz appears to be on the transfer list.
The England international only played the final six minutes against Wolves, with De Bruyne’s 35th-minute opener enough to seal all three points and take them above Newcastle United in the Premier League table.
Phil Foden overlooked for Man City v Wolves
Foden took to Instagram (3 May), sharing a selection of images from the victory over Wolves, celebrating a crucial three points in City’s quest to secure Champions League football for next season with a simple “+3” message with a sky blue loveheart.
Savinho and Rico Lewis both liked the post, joined by Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke and Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.
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Pep Guardiola ready to for summer of change at the Etihad
Football Insider verdict
De Bruyne might just be the tip of the iceberg this summer, with Jack Grealish, John Stones, Bernardo Silva, and Ederson all linked with Man City exits amid an expected squad overhaul.
Qualifying for the Champions League could, therefore, be crucial ahead of the summer transfer window, with persuading new talents to join the Citizens made much harder without elite European football.
Premier League standings Points
3. Man City 64
4. Newcastle United 62
5. Chelsea 60
6. Nottingham Forest 60
Foden, of course, will be hoping to regain his spot in the starting lineup, but if Guardiola brings in a number of new signings, he could have to settle for a spot on the bench more often, in a far cry from his award-winning previous campaign.
While hundreds of millions were already spent on Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, and Abdukodir Khusanov during the winter transfer window, results have not always been ideal.
After a run of seven league matches without defeat, missing out on Champions League football no longer looks like much of a threat, but with three matches left, anything could happen.
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