Guardiola Gets Green Light for Squad Overhaul

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that the club’s hierarchy supports his desire to reduce the squad size next season, regardless of their last-day bid to qualify for the Champions League.

City are set to face Fulham on Sunday, needing just a point to secure a Champions League spot.

Despite their shock FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace last week, Guardiola remains focused on the upcoming match. However, he is adamant that changes are needed to the squad.

“I was laughing when I said that,” Guardiola said, downplaying his earlier threat to quit if unable to reduce the squad. “I’m not going to quit. But the expression is the same, I don’t want players at home with their families when the team is playing.”

Guardiola emphasized that having a large squad has taken a toll on the players and the team.

“In the last three weeks, we had four, five or six players at home, that is not healthy for any of us, for them especially, for me and the club. The club knows it and agrees with me. We will find a solution. Everyone has to have the chance to compete.”

The City boss has already decided to let midfielder Kevin De Bruyne leave when his contract expires, and more changes are expected.

Guardiola is also focused on helping Phil Foden, who has struggled mentally this season. “We want to help him and that’s the most important thing,” Guardiola said. “I don’t care about his performance, I just want him to feel good because then the rest will come in an easy way.”

Despite a tough season, Guardiola is relieved that City have their Champions League fate in their own hands.

“It’s been a really tough season,” he said. “I knew it would come down to the last day in the 95th minute and I was not wrong.”

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