Pep Guardiola Warns He May Leave Manchester City Over Squad Size Dispute

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a stark warning to the club’s hierarchy, saying he may step down if they do not adhere to his demands regarding the team’s size.

Guardiola expressed his desire to work with a smaller squad, emphasizing that having too many players leads to unnecessary exclusions on matchdays. He stated that he would rather leave the club than be forced to sideline multiple players every week.

“I told the club I don’t want a big squad,” Guardiola said after City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday. “I don’t want to put five, six players in the tribune. I don’t want that. I will quit. If they don’t make a short squad, I will not stay. It’s impossible for my soul to put players in the tribune and they cannot play.”

City’s victory kept their hopes of securing third place in the Premier League alive, following a difficult season that has seen them miss out on silverware. Their recent loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final means they will finish the season without a major trophy.

As the league enters its final weekend, Manchester City are in a tight race for Champions League qualification alongside Chelsea, Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest. City currently sit on 68 points—two ahead of Chelsea, Newcastle, and Villa, with Forest just a point behind.

A win at Fulham on Sunday would secure third place for City, and even a draw could be enough given their superior goal difference.Attach