Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has issued a strong warning to the club’s hierarchy, stating that he will leave if his demand for a smaller squad is not met. In a candid statement made on May 21, Guardiola expressed his discomfort with managing a team full of players who rarely get playing time. He emphasized that he cannot bear to see players spend most of their time on the sidelines or be excluded entirely. “I told the club I don’t want a big squad. I don’t want to put five or six players in the stands. I will quit if they don’t make the squad smaller,” Guardiola said, stressing that it would be impossible for him to continue if the situation doesn’t change.
City’s season has been difficult, with the team suffering a surprising defeat in the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace, meaning they will finish the season without a major trophy. However, there is still hope for Champions League qualification, thanks to a vital 3-1 victory over Bournemouth on May 20. The win brought their points total to 68, placing them above Chelsea, Newcastle, and Aston Villa, all of whom have 66 points, with Nottingham Forest trailing just behind. A win against Fulham in their final Premier League match of the season would guarantee third place, and even a draw could suffice due to City’s superior goal difference.
