Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has suggested that the club will need to trim its squad this summer following the arrival of multiple new signings. Speaking to reporters in Atlanta on Saturday, Guardiola admitted that having too many players could cause unhappiness among his squad members during the long season ahead.
“I would love to have the players we have right now all season,” Pep Guardiola said. “The problem is they will be unhappy during the season, they will be sad, they will be disappointed. I don’t want that. I do it for them, not for me.”
Manchester City’s Expanding Squad Poses Selection Challenge
The Premier League champions have bolstered their squad significantly ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, adding key signings such as Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Ait-Nouri. These acquisitions have taken City’s senior squad size beyond 30 players, far exceeding Guardiola’s preferred squad size of around 20 senior professionals.
“We have to see what happens,” Guardiola added. “It’s a long time until the transfer window will be closed. We have to see step by step.”
One potential departure being speculated is veteran midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who has been linked with a move to Turkish club Galatasaray. Although Guardiola said he was unaware of any official talks, his comments indicate that outgoings are inevitable before the transfer window closes.
Club World Cup Focus Before Transfer Decisions
Before finalizing any squad reductions, Manchester City are fully focused on making a deep run in the Club World Cup. Having already defeated Wydad AC in their opening match, City are set to face Al Ain on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where a win will seal their qualification for the last 16.
Guardiola expressed enthusiasm for the competition despite criticisms from some European media about its packed schedule. “It’s a privilege to be here. Once we are here, why shouldn’t we fight to stay longer and longer and longer?”
He also praised the passionate approach of South American clubs in the competition: “I love when I see Botafogo, all the Brazilian teams, Argentinian teams, how they celebrate, how they are together. I’m pretty sure for South American teams this competition is maybe the maximum.”
Rodri’s Recovery Continues
Meanwhile, City continue to monitor the fitness of star midfielder Rodri, who is gradually returning from a knee injury. Guardiola confirmed that Rodri is being eased back into action cautiously. “He’s getting better. He can play 20 minutes, 30 minutes at a time. He wants to help but we want to protect his knee,” Guardiola explained.
Guardiola Balancing Success with Player Happiness
With a squad brimming with talent, Guardiola finds himself in a delicate position balancing Manchester City’s trophy ambitions with the need to ensure player satisfaction. His preference for a smaller, more manageable squad has been well documented, as it allows for greater harmony, ensures regular playing time, and minimizes discontent in the dressing room.
“If you have too many players not involved for weeks, then they are not happy and the training becomes flat,” Guardiola previously said. “It’s better to have a smaller squad with players who know they have a chance to play regularly.”
Club World Cup Offers Rare Motivation After Domestic Setbacks
After failing to add any major silverware to their cabinet apart from the Community Shield last season, winning the Club World Cup would give Manchester City a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Guardiola emphasized how seriously his team is taking the competition: “For the Brazilian sides, winning this tournament means a carnival for one week. Why shouldn’t it mean something for us too? We are here to win it.”
More Departures Expected in Coming Weeks
As City progress in the Club World Cup, attention will inevitably shift back to the summer transfer window. With high-profile targets like Gundogan potentially heading out, others could follow depending on offers received and the squad’s needs. Guardiola and the club’s management will be looking to strike the right balance between competitiveness and harmony.
For the latest updates on Manchester City’s transfer activity, follow our comprehensive coverage here: Complete Manchester City Transfer News 2025.
Conclusion: Guardiola’s Dilemma of Depth
As Manchester City strive to balance squad depth with squad happiness, Guardiola faces one of the biggest challenges of modern football management. The Club World Cup offers a temporary distraction, but by the end of the summer, the Blue side of Manchester may look quite different as the manager executes his plan to keep his squad lean, motivated, and hungry for success.