Pep Guardiola is a powerful coach and “screaming fire”. Even so, there are things he hates but still have to do at Man City – what is almost out of control.
Going straight to the problem: Man City currently owns a squad that is too crowded compared to Pep's wishes, and streamlining it is becoming increasingly difficult.
The Spanish coach does not need to remind that “8 people for 3 positions” is impossible, but that is exactly the problem he can face when choosing a midfield for Man City next season.
After spending 130 million pounds for three rookie Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki in the summer of 2025, Man City's mid -line area is now more cramped than ever, even when taking into account the departure of Kevin De Bruyne and the sale of James Mcatee is almost certain.
What makes Guardiola most annoying in football is the forced to deceive the player out of the squad. But now, he will have to do it more often than ever in 9 years leading Man City.
The current Green Man squad is so enlarged that when entering the pre -season of the week, Pep will have enough players to divide into two different starting squads without the need for young players who have not tried in the main team.
Therefore, sports director Hugo Viana is aiming to release human resources, and that does not stop at names like Kalvin Phillips, Jack Grealish or James Mcatee. There will be many people who have to leave Etihad.
The middle route can be considered the strongest area of the squad, but also a place to be streamlined urgently. Rodri is definitely an irreplaceable anchor midfielder, and Reijnders – a rookie from AC Milan – is expected to play with him.
Behind the backup options such as Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez, Ilkay Gundogan – 3 people for 2 capacity, seems a bit redundant. In a higher attack position, captain Bernardo Silva was prioritized by Pep at the Club World Cup, but both Phil Foden and Cherki wanted to occupy that role.
Both Foden and Cherki can kick the right, but that position also has competition from Savinho and Oscar Bobb, not to mention Omar Marmoush, who can also play right or kick the public after Erling Haaland.
The middle line is so crowded, and that is why, with the desire to streamline the squad, it is likely that another midfielder will have to leave before the transfer.
Last June, Gundogan was once the highest risk of breaking up. He had the first season that was not very prominent after returning to Etihad, now 34 years old and was pursued by Galatasaray. However, nothing is sure.
If Gundogan stayed, the close relationship with Pep almost guaranteed he would still have the opportunity to play regularly. But that also means that Pep will have to make a headache decision – what he is famous for hate.
Knowing how, because selling a player is not as simple as a bunch of vegetables in the market. Well, I have to try, Guardiola!
