Man City coach Pep Guardiola sets club record straight – “I don’t want to have 24, 25, 26 players in my squad 

Man City coach Pep Guardiola sets club record straight – “I don’t want to have 24, 25, 26 players in my squad 

 

Fabrizio Romano recently shared a revealing update from Pep Guardiola on his X account, shedding light on the Manchester City manager’s approach to squad management ahead of the new season. In his post, Romano quoted Guardiola saying, “I don’t want to have 24, 25, 26 players when everyone is fit. I told the club I don’t want that.” This statement highlights the coach’s clear preference for a streamlined and focused squad rather than a bloated roster.

 

Guardiola’s philosophy has always centered on quality over quantity, and his latest remarks emphasize that he values having a tight-knit group of players who are fully engaged and fit, rather than a large squad filled with fringe players. This approach suggests that Manchester City could be looking to offload some players during the upcoming transfer window to create a more balanced and manageable squad.

 

The decision not to maintain an oversized squad also reflects Guardiola’s desire for strong competition within the team. When the group is smaller, each player’s chances of playing are higher, pushing them to perform at their best consistently. This mindset could also improve team chemistry and morale, as players feel more integral to the squad’s success.

 

With Manchester City juggling multiple competitions, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, Guardiola’s demand for a leaner squad might seem surprising to some. However, his experience and success over the years have proven that a focused group of top-quality players can achieve better results than a large squad of average depth.

 

Romano’s post also hints at possible transfer activity as Manchester City aligns with Guardiola’s wishes. The club might consider selling or loaning out players who are not guaranteed regular playing time. This strategy would not only satisfy Guardiola’s preference but also free up wages and resources to strengthen key positions.

 

Guardiola’s straightforward communication with the club, as revealed by Romano, shows his leadership style—transparent and direct. He is not afraid to voice his needs to ensure the team is best prepared to defend their titles and compete at the highest level.

 

As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Manchester City to see how they adjust their squad in line with Guardiola’s vision. His statement, “I told the club I don’t want that,” leaves little doubt that changes are imminent, and the club is expected to follow his lead in building a competitive, yet lean squad for the challenges ahead.