Pep Guardiola threatens to QUIT Manchester City if the squad isn’t trimmed! “Make a shorter squad, or I’m gone!”

 

Pep Guardiola has stunned Manchester City by threatening to resign unless the club reduces its squad size for the upcoming season.

 Speaking after a 3-1 victory against Bournemouth on May 20, 2025, the manager voiced frustration over excluding fit players such as Rico Lewis, Savinho, James McAtee, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Claudio Echeverri from the matchday squad. Guardiola stated he cannot bear leaving players sidelined, saying, “I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay.” This ultimatum comes despite a season heavily disrupted by injuries, particularly to star midfielder Rodri, which prompted City to spend £200 million in January to reinforce the team. 

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Guardiola’s preference for a leaner squad contrasts with the need for depth amid injury concerns. He insists he would rather rely on academy talents than manage an oversized roster, which he finds emotionally taxing. The situation is complicated by Kevin De Bruyne’s confirmed departure and ongoing speculation about players like Jack Grealish, signaling a major squad overhaul in the summer transfer window.

 Manchester City now faces the challenge of balancing Guardiola’s demand for a compact team with the need to rebuild an aging squad while maintaining their competitive edge in the Premier League and beyond. With the transfer market heating up, all eyes are on how the club will navigate these demands to keep their iconic manager, whose contract runs until 2027, satisfied and committed to the project. This bold stance underscores Guardiola’s uncompromising vision for the team’s future.