Man City backed for total overhaul after ‘incredible’ Pep Guardiola quotes – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Pep Guardiola to overhaul his Man City squad as they begin their Champions League campaign against Sevilla on Tuesday (6 September).
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Citizens’ “elite squad depth” will allow them to win the game even after making “three or four” changes.
According to the Manchester Evening News (5 September), John Stones and Kyle Walker are injured and haven’t travelled to Spain for the Champions League clash.
The report quotes Guardiola, who suggested his players are unable to “sustain” the “incredible schedule” imposed upon the Premier League champions.
City face four games against Sevilla, Tottenham, Dortmund, and Wolves in the space of 12 days starting on 6 September.
Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think they’ve got a big enough squad with enough quality to freshen it up.
“They can probably change three or four players and still win the game.
“I’m sure it’ll be going through Guardiola’s mind.
“He’ll want to get off to a good start in the Champions League, but no matter who they have on the pitch – it’s going to be a strong and competitive side.
“That’s the luxury they have. That’s why they’re always contenders for every competition they enter – because of their elite squad depth.”
Man City have started their Premier League defence with four wins and two draws from six games.
Guardiola’s side are just a point adrift of early league leaders Arsenal.
In other news, pundit issues emphatic Kalvin Phillips verdict after Man City update via BBC.