Pep Guardiola criticised the dimensions of his Manchester Metropolis squad, claiming it’s “not wholesome” to have so many gamers after they started the season with a 4-0 win at Wolves.
Erling Haaland scored twice whereas the excellent Tijjani Reijnders and substitute Rayan Cherki netted debut objectives as Metropolis eased to victory at Molineux to put down an early marker within the title race.
Metropolis’s additions of Reijnders, Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and goalkeeper James Trafford seem to have revitalised a workforce that fell effectively under their lofty expectations in a trophyless 2024-25 season.
However they’ve left Guardiola with what he feels is an excessively bloated squad.
Goalkeeper Ederson is seemingly set to depart Metropolis, with Galatasaray stated to have an interest, whereas James McAtee’s transfer to Nottingham Forest was confirmed on Saturday, as he joined the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish (mortgage to Everton) in departing.
But Guardiola remains to be not glad.
“Too many individuals,” stated Guardiola. “It’s not about Eddy [Ederson], immediately [there] was [no] Rodri, Phil [Foden], [Mateo] Kovacic, Savinho and Josko [Gvardiol].
“On the bench we had Nathan [Ake] and Gündo [Ilkay Gündogan]. I like a deep squad to compete in all competitions however I don’t wish to depart gamers at house. It’s not wholesome. You can’t create an excellent vibe or environment to compete.
“The membership has recognized [about] it since final season however the state of affairs is what it’s. Within the subsequent two weeks, individuals will discuss with gamers and brokers to discover a answer. We’ve to scale back the squad as a result of it will likely be troublesome to maintain the vibe of the workforce.”
Guardiola hails Reijnders
Whereas Guardiola vented his frustration on the building of his squad, he had nothing however reward for Reijnders after a shocking show.
Reijnders was concerned in three of Metropolis’s 4 objectives, illustrating the affect he might have as Guardiola’s males look to reclaim the Premier League title from Liverpool.
“Actually good,” Guardiola instructed the BBC of Reijnders’ show. “Beautiful man and has made an affect from day one. His tempo, he may also help with the holding midfield.
“He could make runs contained in the pockets and the areas that generally we permit defenders to create.
“At Milan he was distinctive and with the [Netherlands] nationwide workforce. We knew he’s a high signing for the approaching years for Metropolis.”
