‘Pep Guardiola issues strange Man City ultimatum – this is my biggest concern’
Pep Guardiola issued a shocking ultimatum before Man City’s final game of the Premier League season – a victory away at Fulham.
When asked about having to leave players out of the matchday squad, Guardiola said: “I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay. It’s impossible.”
The topic was broached after Abdukodir Khusanov, Savinho, James McAtee, Claudio Echeverri and Rico Lewis were all omitted for the home win over Bournemouth on 20 May.
Jack Grealish, Man City’s record signing, was also left out for the final day victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday (25 May).
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has revealed his “biggest concern” with Guardiola’s “strange” comments.
Wyness ‘concerned’ over ‘strange Guardiola musings’ at Man City
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted working with a squad as small as 20 players will leave no room for injuries to key first-team personnel.
Man City struggled with that very problem in the 2024-25 campaign and missed out on a title challenge after a lean spell in the middle of the season.
Wyness revealed his concerns ahead of a jam-packed 12 months which will see City take part in the new-look Club World Cup, the expanded Champions League – and ahead of next year’s World Cup in North America.
| Opponent | Date |
| Wydad AC (Morocco) | 18 June |
| Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) | 23 June |
| Juventus (Italy) | 26 June |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “We’ve heard some rather strange musings from Guardiola.
“I’ve heard a few managers say this, but for Pep – I’m surprised.
“It will affect their transfer business. He’s talking about a squad as small as 20 players.
“It doesn’t allow room for injuries, and that’s my biggest concern.
“We’ve all been rehearsing over this season that this expanded calendar has created more injuries – and every manager has been worried about that.
“But here he is, saying he doesn’t want the backup – it’s a bit of a surprise.
“You can register 25 players and add youth players as well, and he may be looking at that.
“I do get the idea of keeping everyone active, but with the number of competitions Man City are in – I’m surprised.
“Pep is Pep, and he’s going to do it his way. To say he could leave, that’s a bit strong.”
Man City set sights on Cherki move
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (28 May) that Rayan Cherki has emerged as a concrete target for Man City but faces a tough decision ahead of a potential move.
The 21-year-old is expected to leave current club Lyon this summer, and is understood to have a release clause worth around £20million.
However, Cherki is well aware he will only be a squad player should he sign on the dotted line at the Etihad Stadium and will have the final decision.
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