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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.

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