“They didn’t play, they left” – Pep Guardiola hints at £82 million Manchester City transfer regret | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has admitted that he would love to have Julian Alvarez in his current Manchester City squad, but that the Argentine’s exit from the club was inevitable.

The City boss was speaking ahead of his side’s 2-0 win over Everton – a contest decided by a second-half brace from Erling Haaland at the Etihad. The Norwegian’s display served as a reminder of the quality that Alvarez had to compete with during his spell at the club, and why the World Cup winner ultimately felt compelled to seek a new challenge elsewhere.

Julian Alvarez joined Atletico Madrid following the 2023/24 season in a deal worth around £82 million as a total potential package, ending a two-year stay in England that saw him lift five major honours including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FIFA Club World Cup.

While Guardiola and his staff were reluctant to sanction the sale, the forward’s desire for regular first-team football in a central striking role became decisive, particularly with Erling Haaland’s position as the club’s number nine remaining unquestioned.

Since moving to Spain, Alvarez has quickly established himself as a key figure under Diego Simeone, registering crucial goals in La Liga and the Champions League. His progress abroad has not gone unnoticed, with Guardiola often speaking fondly of the 25-year-old, and Saturday’s comments mark his most open reflection yet on the player’s departure.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on whether competition for places in his Manchester City squad has now returned this season, having perhaps somewhat dropped in previous campaigns.

“Absolutely. Absolutely. So the year of the Treble, you know the players I had on the bench? Aymeric Laporte, an incredible central defender in the national team, Julian [Alvarez] and the other ones. I would love to have them. But they wanted to play,” Guardiola admitted.

“They didn’t play, they left. And Julian had to compete with Erling [Haaland]. When that happened, he’s top. That’s why now he’s at one of the best teams in the world, Atletico Madrid, playing for a top class manager and players and performing as well unbelievably.

“And maybe I would love to have him but I understand. So at the end, many players have happened. We have many, many examples of that. And the only chance we have is of course in all competitions,” the Catalan coach further opened up on regarding the Argentine international.

“The year of the Treble, having the injuries we had last season, no, half of the season, forget about it the Treble. Forget about it. It would not have been possible to do it,” he added. “So you have to be fit and the minutes they have, all of them, you know, use them the best for them and for the team.”

Pep Guardiola’s reflection carries an undertone of admiration and regret, acknowledging the difficulty of keeping elite-level players content when competition for places is as fierce as it has ever been at Manchester City.

His admission follows a recurring theme this season, as the Catalan continues to reference squad depth, motivation, and player fatigue; factors that have shaped Manchester City’s approach to rotation and squad management.

Looking ahead, Pep Guardiola’s remarks may be interpreted as a warning for others considering their roles within the team. With talents such as Nico O’Reilly, Jeremy Doku, and Phil Foden all jostling for places, City’s manager remains insistent that consistency and patience are key.