Guardiola Bemoans Squad Size, Vows To Quit

Pep Guardiola has warned he could leave Manchester City if the club doesn’t trim its bloated squad ahead of next season.

Despite signing a contract extension until 2027, the 54-year-old City boss shared his thoughts during a press conference after his side’s 3-1 English Premier League win over Bournemouth on Tuesday, 20 May.

“I said to the club I don’t want [a larger squad] … I will quit. Make a [smaller] squad, I will stay. It’s impossible for my soul to [leave] my players in the tribune, that they cannot play,” he said.

Guardiola has long preferred working with a smaller group and expressed frustration at having to sideline players – as he did with James McAtee, Savinho and Rico Lewis against the Cherries – unnecessarily.

The Citizens have spent over £200 million since January, bringing in five new faces to compensate for a spate of injuries. However, with key players returning – including Rodri – Guardiola insists such depth is no longer sustainable. He says he would rather rely on academy players during injury crises than manage a squad of over 25 players.

The timing is poignant: Kevin De Bruyne has likely played his final home match, while Jack Grealish’s future remains uncertain. As City prepares for a summer rebuild, Guardiola’s ultimatum leaves the club’s executive board with a big decision.

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