Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his desire for a smaller squad size, stating that he does not want to have 24, 25, or 26 players when the team is fully fit. According to Guardiola, he has informed the club of his preference for a more streamlined squad. The manager acknowledged that having injuries can be unfortunate, but he is willing to rely on players from the Academy to fill any gaps.
Guardiola’s comments come after a period where he has been praising Manchester City’s young players, including Rico Lewis and Adam Wharton, for their performances. The manager has also previously highlighted the talent of former Manchester City player Morgan Rogers. With a smaller squad, Guardiola is likely to give more opportunities to young players from the Academy, as he has done in the past.
Guardiola’s stance on squad size has been a topic of discussion, with recent reports suggesting that he had threatened to quit Manchester City over the issue. The manager’s preference for a smaller squad may lead to changes in the club’s transfer policy and squad management.