Pep Guardiola Sounds Alarm on Man City Transfers Amid Squad’s Form Struggles
Pep Guardiola emphasized that Manchester City will need to invest significantly in 2025 to enhance their squad and prevent a decline akin to their current disappointing performance.
City has managed just one victory in their last ten matches leading up to . Guardiola has frequently pointed out the impact of injuries on his limited squad, notably the severe ACL injury sustained by Ballon d’Or recipient Rodri.
“Why is Rodri injured? He played 75 matches last season,” Guardiola noted. “When we concluded the season and I took a break, he was at the Euros, striving to secure the title with Spain, only to return injured.
“And one game, two games. Do you really think [if] being fresh can prevent an ACL injury? No. I assure you. Rodri is strong, but he returned fatigued, not at his peak, yet I needed him against Inter, I needed him against Arsenal, despite him not being at his best. And when you’re not strong enough, unfortunately, that’s what happens.”
“What is the reason behind it? The schedule. If you give him a month and a half, two months off, after the Euros—like they do in the NBA with three to four months—tell him, and he’d come back in perfect shape, ready to play 80 games if necessary. Just give him the time.”
In addition to advocating for a revised schedule, Guardiola urged stakeholders at City to invest in the transfer market to adequately strengthen his squad, allowing him to rest key players when necessary.
“Next season, next season, Manchester City – unlike Chelsea, who already possess a strong squad – must aim for 30 players, 25 to 30,” Guardiola asserted. “How do we maintain the club’s economic health? We won’t have revenues next season; it’s impossible. Absolutely impossible.
“Why do we have ? We sold many players, particularly from the academy, and with Julian [Alvarez] and others, a lot has happened. Balancing financial needs with team demands is challenging! We would prefer to have 17, 18, or 19 players; financially, that’s optimal for the team.”
“Today, in modern football, it’s unattainable. Unattainable. Even with 22 or 23-year-olds, and while one team might claim, ‘Ah no, we do things differently,’ we executed our preparations flawlessly, especially in physical training, because our nutritionists are superior to those at other clubs.
“No, because our beds are of the highest quality for recovery. You can say that, sure. Next year, we could have seven injuries. Following the same protocol. It’s all about the schedule. Don’t observe it through any other lens. It’s impossible.”
