Frank Christian
ETIHAD STADIUM, MANCHESTER — Following an emotional send-off for Kevin De Bruyne, Pep Guardiola has hinted at another major exit that may be on the horizon.
In Manchester City’s 3-1 victory against Bournemouth, which brought them closer to UEFA Champions League action after a challenging season impacted by injury concerns, Guardiola notably excluded key players Savinho, Abdukodir Khusanov, John Stones, Rico Lewis, and James McAtee from the squad.
Local favorites Lewis and McAtee were also not included in the FA Cup final loss against Crystal Palace, during which Claudio Echeverri made a surprising debut from the bench, only to be sidelined in the subsequent match against Bournemouth.
Guardiola was visibly moved during De Bruyne’s farewell speech, and he expressed his heartache in the post-game press conference, reflecting on the difficult decision to leave hardworking players on the sidelines.
“I told the club, I don’t wish for a larger squad. I refuse to keep five or six players sitting idly. If that’s the case, I’ll resign. I prefer a more compact team; it pains me to see players unable to participate,” he stated.
As is typical for Guardiola, there was a hint of dramatic flair in his remarks, but it seems unlikely this will lead to any immediate resignation. Nevertheless, City finds themselves at a pivotal point as they approach a summer filled with FIFA Club World Cup commitments.
What prompted Pep Guardiola to consider resigning from Man City?
While Guardiola’s comments about the emotional toll of benching players might seem exaggerated, this isn’t the first instance of him addressing the challenge of managing a larger squad.
Guardiola typically prefers a roster of around 18-20 senior players, supplementing with youth-team talents when necessary. Throughout their run of four consecutive Premier League titles, and especially before their remarkable treble victory in the 2022/23 season, there were many discussions about the need to expand the squad due to concerns of it being undersized.
Despite the success achieved with a smaller squad, this season has posed difficulties. Injuries to Rodri and Oscar Bobb brought the squad close to its limits regarding long-term absences. As the season progressed, further injuries, particularly in defense, contributed to a challenging winter for City.
This situation fueled an unusual January transfer window with new arrivals including Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Vitor Reis, and Khusanov, while Echeverri came through on a pre-arranged deal from River Plate. Additionally, Juma Bah was signed from Valladolid before being loaned to Khusanov’s previous team, Lens.
“For a stretch of three to four months, we struggled to field a full 11 due to a lack of defenders; it was incredibly challenging,” Guardiola remarked. “As players returned, we cannot face next season with a similar scenario.”
“As a coach, it’s impossible to manage 24 players and have to leave four, five, or six behind because they can’t play. That’s not happening. I made it clear to the club, ‘I don’t want that’.”
This marks City’s first season without securing a major domestic title since 2016/17, and with De Bruyne and other veteran players aging, a squad refresh is evidently necessary. This process arguably commenced in January with the signing of the 26-year-old Marmoush.
A report from the Telegraph indicates that City’s new sporting director Hugo Viana is eyeing two midfield reinforcements — namely Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest and Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan — as well as additional full-back support. Given the age issues in midfield and the scarcity of specialists in defense, these are critical priorities.
However, this will clash with Guardiola’s preferred squad size, unless some aging players on substantial contracts, as well as promising young talents, can be moved along. This will present a substantial challenge as Guardiola seeks to align with a new sporting director, following years of collaboration with his trusted friend Txiki Begiristain.
Manchester City squad overview
Rodri received a warm reception upon his return from a nine-month absence, making a brief substitute appearance against Bournemouth. He became the 27th player to compete in a match for City since the busy January transfer window closed.
As for reducing the squad size, expiring contracts present the most immediate concerns. Aside from De Bruyne, the only other player whose contract ends in June 2025 is Scott Carson, the long-time backup goalkeeper who has seen limited action.
Here’s a look at Guardiola’s squad, position by position, along with potential areas for adjustment.
Goalkeepers
Ederson, Stefan Ortega, Scott Carson
Potential changes could occur in this area, but it’s challenging to cull numbers since, quite simply, goalkeepers are essential. Ederson has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. If a new first-choice goalkeeper is signed ahead of Stefan Ortega, it wouldn’t be surprising if the seasoned No. 2 sought an opportunity elsewhere.
Full-backs
Kyle Walker, Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly, Rico Lewis
This is another tricky area for reducing players due to the limited number of full-backs available. Club captain Kyle Walker has gone on loan to AC Milan, and his absence from Tuesday’s tribute video for De Bruyne hinted at communication issues with City. Meanwhile, Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly have stepped in effectively since Guardiola’s tactical shift to a 4-2-2-2 formation in March, despite their primary roles being midfielders.
Lewis is also adaptable, often praised by Guardiola, yet it’s curious he was left out of the recent matchday squads.
Centre-backs
Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Juma Bah
This area presents a chance for reducing player numbers. John Stones is set to become City’s longest-serving player if he remains after De Bruyne’s exit, but ongoing injury challenges have limited his contributions. Nathan Ake, under contract until 2027, has also dealt with injuries.
Ruben Dias is expected to stay and possibly take on a captaincy role, while Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji are crucial due to their versatility in defense. Khusanov and Reis were seen as long-term acquisitions, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Reis joined Bah on loan.
Midfielders
Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, Nico Gonzalez, Kalvin Phillips
Fans often express frustration with Guardiola’s reliance on seasoned players Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, and Mateo Kovacic. All appear susceptible to a midfield shake-up, although Silva expressed commitment in a recent interview regarding City’s season.
Gundogan activated a one-year extension, making him contracted until 2026, alongside Silva. His durability during City’s injury struggles played a role in this extension. Kovacic’s contract extends to 2027.
Since Guardiola labeled Nico Gonzalez the “mini-Rodri,” his journey has been quieter than anticipated, and he will need to learn quickly to secure consistent playtime. Kalvin Phillips, on the other hand, has been loaned out and seemingly faces an uncertain future at the club.
Forwards
Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush, Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Jack Grealish, Oscar Bobb, Claudio Echeverri
Both Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush boast lengthy contracts with City, and Guardiola hopes to cultivate their partnership next season, feeling that Phil Foden and Oscar Bobb could each become impactful players.
The futures of talented but inconsistent wingers Jeremy Doku and Savinho hang in the balance, yet neither seems likely to depart. Jack Grealish and McAtee appear to be two of the most probable candidates for exit, although that might bring City closer to the necessary homegrown quota mandated by the Premier League. Echeverri’s brief appearance in the FA Cup final doesn’t change the likelihood of him being loaned out next season.
