ATLANTA — Pep Guardiola has indicated that he intends to streamline his Manchester City roster before the transfer window closes, aiming to prevent any players from feeling discontent in the upcoming season.
The squad, which has traveled to the U.S. for the FIFA Club World Cup, comprises 27 players, including recent additions such as Rayan Cherki, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Marcus Bettinelli. Notably, Mateo Kovacic was set to be part of the team until an Achilles injury sidelined him.
Absent from the lineup are notable players like Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips, and James McAtee.
At the conclusion of the last season, Guardiola remarked he would consider resigning if faced with an overly large squad. Ahead of City’s match against Al Ain in Atlanta on Sunday, he hinted that roster adjustments are forthcoming.
“I would love to keep the players we currently have throughout the season,” Guardiola stated. “I have no issues with their behavior or performance. The concern lies in their potential unhappiness as the season goes on. I want to avoid that at all costs.”
“Having more choices is fine, but I dislike the idea of having six or seven players left without playtime just to cover for injuries. I prefer a balanced approach for their sake,” he added. “We have plenty of time left before the transfer window shuts.”
Guardiola typically prefers to work with a squad of around 20 outfield players and three goalkeepers, suggesting that before the Premier League season kicks off in August, at least three players in the U.S. squad may need to depart.
In response to inquiries about Ilkay Gündogan’s future—who, according to sources close to ESPN, is being pursued by Galatasaray—Guardiola remained non-committal. The 34-year-old midfielder, who has one year left on his contract, may face more competition for playing time following Rodri’s return and Reijnders’ signing from Milan.
“I haven’t spoken with him, and if he were to leave the squad, he wouldn’t be here,” Guardiola explained. “However, our squad is currently too large, and we cannot accommodate 26 or 27 players this season without leaving many unhappy and without playtime. Gradually, some players may need to move on, but at this moment, Ilkay is a crucial part of my setup.”