MANCHESTER, May 21, 2025 — Pep Guardiola has openly threatened to resign if Manchester City fails to address the ongoing issue of squad overload. The Guardiola squad size Man City problem has become a major source of frustration for the manager, who struggles with leaving several key players out of matchday squads despite their fitness and readiness. After City’s 3-1 victory against Bournemouth, Guardiola made it clear that continuing with such a large team is “emotionally unsustainable” for him.
Why Guardiola Is Demanding a Smaller Squad
Manchester City’s current first-team roster stands at 24 players—a number Guardiola finds difficult to manage effectively. The club’s £200 million spending spree in January, aimed at strengthening the squad amid injury setbacks, has instead led to challenges in team dynamics. Guardiola’s issues with the Guardiola squad size Man City situation include:
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Limited game time for key players: Players such as Abdukodir Khusanov, Savinho, James McAtee, and Rico Lewis have often been left on the bench, despite being fully fit and ready to play.
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Disrupted team morale: Regularly sidelining multiple players impacts overall squad harmony and player satisfaction.
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Coaching philosophy: Guardiola prefers a leaner, more manageable squad that encourages healthy competition without alienating players.
What This Means for Manchester City’s Future
With the summer transfer window approaching, Manchester City must act decisively. Key developments include:
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Kevin De Bruyne’s confirmed exit after his contract expires.
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Uncertainty surrounding Jack Grealish’s future, with talks expected in the near future.
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The club facing pressure to reduce the squad size in line with Guardiola’s demands, or risk losing the manager’s leadership.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Guardiola’s stance highlights the often unseen challenge of balancing squad depth with player satisfaction and performance. While big squads offer insurance against injuries, they can also create tension and frustration if not managed well. The unfolding situation puts the spotlight on Guardiola squad size Man City as a critical factor in the club’s future success.
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