Pep Guardiola criticised the scale 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 staff that fell effectively beneath 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 go away 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], at the moment [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 need to go away gamers at residence. It’s not wholesome. You can’t create a superb vibe or ambiance to compete.
“The membership has identified [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 resolution. We now have to cut back the squad as a result of it will likely be tough to maintain the vibe of the staff.”
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 may have as Guardiola’s males look to reclaim the Premier League title from Liverpool.
“Actually good,” Guardiola informed the BBC of Reijnders’ show. “Beautiful man and has made an influence from day one. His tempo, he might 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 staff. We knew he’s a prime signing for the approaching years for Metropolis.”
