The Manchester City stat that justifies shock inclusion in Pep Guardiola’s Premier League squad
Pep Guardiola has shocked fans by including one surprising name in his finalised squad for the 2025-26 Premier League season.
The 54-year-old has faced the most challenging two seasons of his reign at Manchester City, with some pundits suggesting Guardiola may have “outstayed his welcome.”
Guardiola has seen his side struggle to start the Premier League season as the club look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign last season.
Man City welcome Manchester United this weekend in a Manchester derby that is set to be a cagey affair.
Pep Guardiola puts faith in unexpected name
With clubs naming their finalised squads following the transfer window slamming shut, fans were drawn to a shock name within the Man City squad.
Guardiola has included Kalvin Phillips in his squad for the upcoming season, to the surprise of many who thought the former Leeds United midfielder had been cast out by the Spanish boss.
Phillips, who is currently sidelined with an injury, hasn’t played for Man City since December 2023, and seemed completely out of the picture at the club.
However, one key stat has emerged that may justify Guardiola’s selection of Phillips, who may still have a role to play at the Etihad Stadium.
Phillips completed 3.94 tackles and interceptions per 90 during his loan spell with Ipswich Town last season according to FBref, a number that would have placed him top among all Man City midfielders last campaign.
As City look to fix their leaky defensive numbers that have plagued Guardiola’s side early in the season, Phillips may represent a key figure in shoring up those issues.
Pep Guardiola’s small squad comes as a blessing and a curse
Ahead of the transfer window, Guardiola expressed his desire to reduce the size of his squad, threatening to quit at the club if his wish wasn’t granted.
While the reasons for having a smaller squad are understandable -namely the minimised risk of upsetting players who want game time – an increase in competitive matches on the calendar add demand one player’s bodies.
Ahead of the Manchester derby on Sunday, Guardiola is already facing an injury crisis as numerous first team stars look set for spells on the sidelines.
| Manchester City injuries | |
| Rayan Cherki | Thigh |
| Omar Marmoush | Knee |
| Mateo Kovacic | Lower leg |
| Rayan Ait-Nouri | Undisclosed |
| Josko Gvardiol | N/A |
| Savinho | N/A |
| Phil Foden | Ankle/Foot |
| John Stones | N/A |
| Kalvin Phillips | Lower leg |
Due to Guardiola’s small squad, it now seems that the six-time Premier League winner will be down to the bare bones of his squad ahead of the derby.
With his side already struggling, the prospect of thrusting young, inexperienced players into a big crunch match against their city rivals will come with an added risk for Guardiola.