ATLANTA — Pep Guardiola has steered he’ll slim down his Manchester City squad earlier than the top of the switch window to keep away from having “unhappy” gamers subsequent season.
Metropolis have introduced a 27-man squad to the U.S. — together with new signings Rayan Cherki, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Marcus Bettinelli — for the FIFA Membership World Cup.
Mateo Kovacic would even have been included earlier than an Achilles harm dominated him out of the event.
Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips and James McAtee are among the many gamers absent.
Guardiola stated on the finish of final season he would “quit” if he was forced to work with a bloated squad.
And talking forward of Metropolis’s recreation towards Al Ain in Atlanta on Sunday, he hinted that some gamers must depart.
“I’d like to have the gamers that we have now now all season,” stated Guardiola.
“I’d adore it. I haven’t got any complaints concerning the gamers, how they behave.
“The issue is they are going to be sad through the season. They are going to be unhappy, they are going to be upset. I do not need that. For me it isn’t an issue.
“I’ve extra choice however I do not prefer to be six, seven gamers — simply in case, no accidents — being at house. So I do it that approach.
“I do this for them. In order that’s why we have now to see what occurs. We nonetheless have a very long time, I’d say, till the switch window will likely be closed.”
Guardiola has normally wished to work with a squad of 20 outfield gamers and three goalkeepers. It will imply at the very least three of the gamers he is delivered to the U.S. leaving earlier than the Premier League kicks off in August.
He was requested particularly about the way forward for Ilkay Gündogan, who sources have told ESPN is being chased by Galatasaray.
The 34-year-old midfielder has a yr left on his contract and faces added competitors for his place following Rodri‘s return and Reijnders’ arrival from Milan.
“I do not know something,” stated Guardiola.
“I did not communicate with him, and if he won’t be half [of the squad] he wouldn’t be right here.
“However on the identical time, we have now, proper now, a protracted squad, too many gamers, so we can’t go along with 26, 27 gamers this season as a result of there can be extra with out taking part in, and step-by-step perhaps just a few gamers are going to maneuver.
“However proper now, Ilkay is totally a part of my thoughts and the crew.”