MANCHESTER — Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has sent a clear warning to the club’s hierarchy, stating he will leave his position if the current squad size is not trimmed ahead of next season.
Guardiola, speaking after City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth, expressed concern about the emotional and managerial toll of handling a large roster, describing it as “impossible for my soul.” The Spaniard, who has led City to multiple Premier League titles and a historic treble, said he prefers a lean, competitive squad rather than managing a bloated bench filled with unused talent.
“When you have more than 20 top players and you must leave six or seven out of the matchday squad every week, it kills you,” Guardiola said. “I’ve told the club that next season, if we don’t reduce the number of players, I will not continue. I can’t manage a squad that big and keep everyone motivated.”
City currently has a senior squad of 28 players, excluding loanees. Guardiola’s comments come as the club prepares for a busy off-season that could see the departure of senior players like Kevin De Bruyne and others linked with moves abroad. The manager believes this transitional period presents a perfect opportunity to recalibrate the squad and restore balance.
His stance also reflects a long-standing philosophy that a compact, focused squad yields better results. Guardiola has previously managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich with similar approaches, often opting for utility players who can cover multiple roles instead of stacking the bench with big names.
The timing of the ultimatum is critical as Manchester City gears up for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup and another intense domestic campaign. The manager’s insistence on trimming the squad is likely to influence City’s summer transfer policy, both in terms of signings and player sales.
Club insiders say the board is taking Guardiola’s request seriously, as his leadership remains integral to the club’s continued success on both domestic and international fronts.
As speculation mounts over potential departures, all eyes will be on Etihad’s summer activities, with Guardiola’s future now directly tied to the club’s willingness to downsize a squad that, while rich in talent, has now become too heavy to manage by his standards.
