Faced with Manchester City’s demanding schedule, Pep Guardiola is considering the idea of having a squad of 45 to 50 players to ease the burden on his team.
Manchester City has struggled to deliver the expected results in recent months across all competitions. With just one win in their last 10 matches, the team is clearly in crisis. To address this, head coach Pep Guardiola sees the possibility of a larger squad as a viable solution.
The Calendar Is the Problem
In a press conference, Guardiola highlighted the packed schedule faced by the “Sky Blues” as a major factor contributing to players being more prone to injuries. He pointed to the absence of Rodri, the newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner, as a significant setback for his tactical plans.
Guardiola explained that a larger squad would help mitigate the impact of such injuries and the grueling schedule. The team sometimes plays up to three matches in the span of seven days, juggling commitments in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup competitions.
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City’s Struggles Are Not Due to Poor Performance
Guardiola also praised his current players, emphasizing that they’ve achieved incredible things despite their limited numbers. He attributed the team’s current struggles to injuries and fixture congestion rather than poor performance or lack of effort.
This weekend, City will face their cross-town rivals in the Manchester Derby, a must-win game given its symbolic importance. Meanwhile, fans are watching closely to see if Guardiola will expand his squad during the winter transfer window. The relentless schedule continues even through the holiday season, with matches set for December 26 and 29, just after Christmas and days before the New Year.
