Pep Guardiola Targets Smaller Squad for Premier League Season | OneFootball

Man City Squad Set for Summer Shake-Up as Pep Guardiola Prioritises Balance

Guardiola hints at leaner squad for Premier League defence

In the unforgiving machinery of elite football, few clubs manage their resources with the precision of Man City. Pep Guardiola, the architect of City’s era-defining success, now finds himself in the familiar position of attempting to balance a squad bloated by success, ambition and the constant churn of the transfer market.

Guardiola has confirmed that City will look to streamline their squad ahead of the new Premier League season, a decision that reflects both a tactical preference and the unavoidable realities of elite squad management.

“We cannot go with 26, 27 players this season because there would be more without playing,” Guardiola said. “Step by step maybe a few players are going to more.”

City brought 24 outfield players and three goalkeepers to the Club World Cup in the United States, where they face Al Ain in their second group stage fixture. While rotation is a luxury Guardiola has often enjoyed, it can also be a burden. Satisfaction is difficult to maintain when players are left on the periphery.

Big names linked with summer exits

There is already growing movement around the fringes of the squad. Jack Grealish, Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker did not travel with the team and are expected to be moved on. Meanwhile, Ilkay Gundogan, a trusted Guardiola lieutenant, is attracting interest from Galatasaray, while the injured Mateo Kovacic has admirers of his own.

“No news, good news,” Guardiola responded when asked about Gundogan’s future. “I don’t know anything, I didn’t speak with him, and if he will not be part he would not be here.”

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The City manager, who has typically operated with around 20 outfield players during his tenure at the Etihad, seems intent on returning to that model. Despite earlier concerns about the toll of injuries last season, his eight signings since January have necessitated a reassessment.

Rodri return delayed, South American admiration grows

Guardiola also confirmed that Rodri, instrumental to City’s midfield dominance, is not yet fit enough to start, despite featuring for 30 minutes in the 2-0 win over Wydad AC.

The Catalan coach expressed admiration for the South American clubs in the competition, hinting that one day he may be tempted by the challenge of managing on that continent.

“I feel it’s a privilege to be here,” he added. “This is a privilege because in four years time (we might not qualify). Four years to be there you have to win big prizes.”