Pep Guardiola criticised the size of his Manchester City squad, claiming it is “not healthy” to have so many players after they began the season with a 4-0 win at Wolves.
Erling Haaland scored twice while the outstanding Tijjani Reijnders and substitute Rayan Cherki netted debut goals as City eased to victory at Molineux to lay down an early marker in the title race.
City’s additions of Reijnders, Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and goalkeeper James Trafford appear to have revitalised a team that fell well below their lofty expectations in a trophyless 2024-25 season.
But they have left Guardiola with what he feels is an overly bloated squad.
Goalkeeper Ederson is seemingly set to leave City, with Galatasaray said to be interested, while James McAtee’s move to Nottingham Forest was confirmed on Saturday, as he joined the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish (loan to Everton) in departing.
Yet Guardiola is still not satisfied.
“Too many people,” said Guardiola. “It’s not about Eddy [Ederson], today [there] was [no] Rodri, Phil [Foden], [Mateo] Kovacic, Savinho and Josko [Gvardiol].
“On the bench we had Nathan [Ake] and Gündo [Ilkay Gündogan]. I like a deep squad to compete in all competitions but I don’t want to leave players at home. It’s not healthy. You cannot create a good vibe or atmosphere to compete.
“The club has known [about] it since last season but the situation is what it is. In the next two weeks, people will talk with players and agents to find a solution. We have to reduce the squad because it will be difficult to sustain the vibe of the team.”
Guardiola hails Reijnders
While Guardiola vented his frustration at the construction of his squad, he had nothing but praise for Reijnders after a stunning display.
Reijnders was involved in three of City’s four goals, illustrating the influence he could have as Guardiola’s men look to reclaim the Premier League title from Liverpool.
“Really good,” Guardiola told the BBC of Reijnders’ display. “Lovely guy and has made an impact from day one. His pace, he can help with the holding midfield.
“He can make runs inside the pockets and the spaces that sometimes we allow defenders to create.
“At Milan he was exceptional and with the [Netherlands] national team. We knew he is a top signing for the coming years for City.”
