Pep Guardiola Wants ‘Smaller’ Man City Squad with Jack Grealish Set to Leave | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola’s Plan for a Smaller Manchester City Squad

Pep Guardiola has made it clear that Manchester City will operate with a reduced squad size next season, and he remains firm on his stance. This decision is not merely tactical but driven by a desire to maintain harmony within the team, ensuring that players are not left frustrated or disappointed by a lack of playing time.

City’s Smaller Squad: A Strategic Move

Guardiola’s desire for a smaller squad isn’t a new concept. In fact, he previously hinted that he would consider leaving the club if Manchester City did not reduce the size of their playing staff. While he refrained from making any direct threats this time, the sentiment remains clear. The Spanish manager wants a balanced squad, one where each player has a clear role and can contribute regularly without feeling sidelined.

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Speaking at the Club World Cup, Guardiola was candid about the challenges posed by an over-crowded roster. He acknowledged that although having more options is not necessarily a problem for him as a manager, it is the players’ well-being that concerns him most. “I would love to have the players we have right now all season, I would love it. I don’t have any complaints about the behaviour of the players,” Guardiola explained.

Managing Player Expectations

However, Guardiola was quick to recognise that having an excessively large squad can lead to unhappy players. “But they will be unhappy, they will be sad. They will be disappointed, I don’t want that.” This shows his understanding of the emotional side of football, where players naturally want to be on the pitch, contributing to the team’s success. Guardiola clearly wants to avoid the situation where players feel left out or lose their motivation due to a lack of involvement.

The City boss also revealed that Jack Grealish could be one of the players looking to leave the Etihad in the near future. Although nothing has been finalised, it seems that Grealish may seek a move in order to secure more regular first-team football. This aligns with Guardiola’s overarching aim of ensuring that his squad is streamlined and that no player is left feeling like an afterthought.

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The Transfer Window and Future Decisions

Looking ahead, Guardiola suggested that the transfer window, which remains open for several more weeks, will ultimately determine the final composition of Manchester City’s squad. With the manager’s focus firmly on ensuring that no player is unnecessarily excluded, it seems likely that we could see a few departures before the window closes.

“I don’t do it for me, it’s for them,” Guardiola emphasised. His priority, as always, is the players’ happiness and career development, which in turn benefits the overall performance of Manchester City. The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the final structure of the squad as Guardiola continues to make decisions that align with his long-term vision for the club.

As Manchester City prepares for the upcoming season, Guardiola’s focus on a smaller, more manageable squad will undoubtedly play a key role in maintaining a happy and motivated group of players. While the decisions about who stays and who goes will unfold in the coming weeks, it is clear that Guardiola’s approach remains player-centric. Ultimately, his aim is to create an environment where everyone feels valued, contributing to the success of the team in the Premier League.