GUARDIOLA VOWS TO TRIM MANCHESTER CITY SQUAD AMID CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SCRAMBLE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reaffirmed his intention to overhaul his squad this summer, stating he has the full backing of the club’s hierarchy to reduce the size of his underperforming team, regardless of the outcome of their final-day push for Champions League qualification.
City travel to Fulham on Sunday needing just one point to secure a top-five finish and a place in next season’s Champions League. They currently sit two points above sixth-placed Aston Villa with a superior goal difference, ensuring that a draw would guarantee their place in Europe’s elite competition.
The push for Champions League football comes after a disappointing campaign for the deposed champions, who suffered a shock FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace last week. A loss to Fulham could compound a rare trophyless season for the Premier League giants.
Despite the stakes, Guardiola remains focused on long-term restructuring. After Tuesday’s win against Bournemouth, he made headlines by threatening to quit if he couldn’t streamline his squad — a remark he has since downplayed.
“I was laughing when I said that,” Guardiola clarified on Friday. “I’m not going to quit. But the sentiment stands — I don’t want players at home with their families when the team is playing. It’s not healthy for anyone, especially them.”
The Spanish manager expressed frustration over consistently having to sideline players due to squad size, noting that in recent weeks, up to six players have not even made the matchday squad.
“The club knows and agrees with me. We’ll find a solution,” he said. “Everyone deserves a chance to compete.”
As part of the expected shake-up, City have already decided not to renew midfielder Kevin De Bruyne’s contract, which expires at the end of the season. More departures are expected as Guardiola aims to rebuild a leaner, more focused squad.
“This season has been really tough,” Guardiola admitted. “I knew it would come down to the final moments, the 95th minute on the last day, and I was not wrong.”
The City boss also addressed concerns over Phil Foden’s form and mental well-being. The winger, who missed out on England’s latest squad, has struggled this season following an ankle injury and has not matched the performances that earned him PFA Player of the Year last season.
“We want to help him and that’s the most important thing,” said Guardiola. “I don’t care about his performance right now. I just want him to feel good, the rest will follow.”
As Manchester City brace for a crucial final fixture, Guardiola’s comments highlight a club at a crossroads still chasing immediate goals, but with a clear vision for renewal and discipline in the seasons ahead.
AFP
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