Pep Guardiola is currently under contract with Manchester City until 2027, following an extension signed late last year. However, the Spanish manager has unexpectedly issued a warning: he may leave the club if a specific condition is not met.
So, what is this condition that could drive the four-time consecutive Premier League-winning manager away from the Etihad?
Guardiola has made it clear—if the club continues to maintain an oversized squad next season, he won’t stay. He insists that he cannot work with too many players in the squad.
But why is having more players a problem, and how would a smaller squad help?
The issue lies in squad selection. With too many top-quality players, Guardiola faces the dilemma of whom to play and whom to leave out, especially in crucial matches. For example, in City’s recent 3–1 victory over Bournemouth, notable players like James McAtee, Savinho, and Rico Lewis were left out of the matchday squad.
Benching one quality player to give another a chance can lead to criticism, especially if the selected player underperforms.
Guardiola admitted that excluding players on matchdays is mentally and emotionally exhausting.
He said: “I’ve told the club I don’t want this. I don’t want five or six players sitting in the stands unable to play. If that happens, I’m gone. Reduce the squad, and I will stay. My soul can’t tolerate having players who can’t even be on the pitch.”
He added: “I don’t want 24, 25, or 26 fit players in the squad. If we suffer injuries—unlucky. We have academy players who can step in if needed. Otherwise, we lose the emotional connection within the team. We’ve already lost a lot this season.”
Guardiola’s comments highlight his strong belief in maintaining a compact, tightly-knit squad rather than a star-studded, overcrowded roster. Whether the club will adjust to his demand remains to be seen.
UA / TDS
