Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reveals club’s strategy going into the final weeks of the transfer window to avoid FFP

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reveals club’s strategy going into the final weeks of the transfer window to avoid FFP

 

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about the club’s strategy going into the final weeks of the transfer window

Txiki Begiristain helped land Pep Guardiola at Manchester City

 

Manchester City are willing to wait until the end of the transfer window to get the best deal on two signings – but won’t be bullied into paying over the odds.

 

Julian Alvarez played more minutes than nearly any other City player last season and is closing in on an exit to Atletico for an initial £64m, while cover has been needed for Rodri ever since it became obvious that Kalvin Phillips would not work out. Pep Guardiola has now confirmed for the first time that the club could go into the market for both players, but is conscious of how the club is being looked at.

 

With no shortage of money given the huge sum they will receive for Alvarez and the £150m they have banked this summer, City are wary of paying for the sake of it. Indeed Guardiola is happy enough with the squad he has that the Blues are willing to wait until the final days of the market to see if a better offer comes up.

 

“We will see the chances at the end of the market if a club needs to sell more than now for example so I don’t know,” said Guardiola. “Coming to the market now and knowing that we make a good transfer in terms of finances with Julián, people are waiting with the red carpet waiting to say come, come here and that is why you have to see what happens.

 

“Because the club has done well in the past. Many players didn’t come because the club didn’t pay what the other club wanted for that player. The club will continue to do what is fair.”

 

Just as it is difficult to sign a striker knowing they will be competing with Erling Haaland, the same goes for a midfielder given Rodri’s enduring presence and quality in the team. Guardiola suggested that City will not be paying a premium for cover, and that they may also sign versatile stars who can cover different positions in the team.

 

“[They] can play forward, can play as an attacking midfielder or a winger that can play forward or a holding midfielder who can play central defender or central defender who can play in the position of Rodri. We will see,” he said.

 

“We would not have won having important players like Erling Haaland and Rodri, spent a lot of money to play two out of 10 games, it’s not sustainable, so we have to have a balance. If we need someone the price we have to buy [has to be right] otherwise it makes no sense.

 

“We have [Mateo] Kova[cic], we have Rico [Lewis], Nico O’Reilly, John [Stones] and Manu [Akanji] alongside another player can adapt in that position as well so we have alternatives, and we see the market. If I have some concerns I speak with Txiki [Begiristain, sporting director].”

 

 

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hinted that the club may enter the transfer market for a new striker before the window closes.

 

Speaking at a press conference, Guardiola addressed concerns about the depth of his squad, particularly in the forward position, where Erling Haaland has been the focal point.

 

“We will see until the end of the market if we really need a striker to be a back-up for Erling,” Guardiola said, acknowledging the possibility of adding another attacking option.

 

“Erling is not going to play all the games with the schedule we have ahead of us, so you have to think about it.”

 

With a packed fixture list that includes Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup commitments, Guardiola’s comments reflect the need for squad rotation and depth.

 

Haaland, who has been instrumental in City’s success since his arrival, could face fatigue if overburdened throughout the season.

 

The speculation comes as City continues to monitor the market for potential signings. Guardiola, known for his tactical acumen, will likely consider various options to ensure his squad remains competitive on all fronts.

 

City fans will be eagerly awaiting any developments as the transfer window draws to a close, hoping that any new addition can complement Haaland and bolster the team’s attacking prowess.

 

Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind Manchester City’s dominance, has taken a subtle yet cheeky dig at domestic rivals Arsenal and Manchester United, according to Sportskeeda. With the 2024-25 season set to kick off, Guardiola’s comments have added fuel to the fire, hinting that his team’s success is not solely due to spending power.

 

 

 

Speaking ahead of City’s FA Community Shield clash with United, Guardiola quipped, “Many years, they have done it. Many years, but it’s not news. It’s just when City spend money.” The Spanish manager’s comments are a clear reference to the significant investments made by Arsenal and United during the summer transfer window.

 

While City have been relatively quiet, signing only Savinho for €25 million, their rivals have splurged on top talent. Arsenal have brought in Riccardo Calafiori and made David Raya’s loan deal permanent, while United have snapped up Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee. Guardiola’s remarks suggest that he believes his team’s success is not solely due to financial muscle, but rather their overall approach and strategy.

 

This is not the first time Guardiola has taken a dig at his rivals. The manager has a history of using his words to provoke a response, adding to the intensity of the matches. With City set to face United on Saturday, Guardiola’s comments have set the tone for what promises to be an exciting encounter.

 

As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Arsenal and United respond to Guardiola’s cheeky shots. One thing is certain – the mind games have begun, and the battle for supremacy in English football is about to get even more intense.