Pep Guardiola Threatens to Quit Manchester City Over Squad Size Concerns
Posted on May 21, 2025
Pep Guardiola has made headlines by stating that he will resign as Manchester City manager if the club does not reduce the size of the squad following the summer transfer window. The manager expressed his dissatisfaction with having a large squad that leaves several players out of matchday selections, as evidenced during City's recent 3-1 victory over Bournemouth, where several senior players were not included.
Guardiola articulated his feelings, saying, "I don't want to leave five or six players in the freezer." He emphasized the importance of having a manageable squad size, stating that it is “impossible for my soul” to see players sitting in the stands without the opportunity to play. Currently, City's squad stands at 28 first-team players, which exceeds the Premier League's 25-man limit. Guardiola has previously indicated a preference for a smaller squad, which he believes facilitates better team cohesion and performance.
With some key players, including Kevin De Bruyne set to leave and doubts surrounding the future of Jack Grealish, Guardiola's remarks raise questions about potential exits from the club. He acknowledged that while injuries are unfortunate, he prefers to work with fewer players, relying on academy talent when necessary.
Guardiola's assertion comes at a crucial time as Manchester City aims to solidify its position in the league and prepare for the next season. The club is currently competing for Champions League qualification and will need to make strategic decisions regarding squad composition moving forward. The manager’s ultimatum underscores the challenges of managing a large squad and the need for clear communication between the coaching staff and club management.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Manchester City to see how they address Guardiola’s concerns and reshape the squad for the future.
Recommended Reading

Kevin de Bruyne Bids Emotional Farewell to Manchester City
Kevin de Bruyne received a heartfelt farewell at the Etihad Stadium following his final match for Manchester City, a night that left an indelible mark on fans and teammates alike. The 33-year-old midfielder, who has been a pivotal figure at the club, concluded his tenure with a 3-1 victory over Bour

Ange Postecoglou Defends Himself Ahead of Europa League Final
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou delivered an impassioned rebuttal to claims that he is "teetering between hero and clown" as he prepares for the Europa League final against Manchester United. This statement, made ahead of the crucial match in Bilbao, was sparked by a report that suggested

Ruben Amorim Believes Europa League Win Could Transform Manchester United's Image
Ahead of the Europa League final against Tottenham, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim expressed that a victory could significantly alter how his team is perceived. Speaking at a press conference in Bilbao, Amorim acknowledged the high stakes of the match, emphasizing the importance of the troph