Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has openly admitted that his current squad size is "not healthy" for team morale, with six senior players facing an uncertain future as the transfer window nears its end.
Guardiola's Squad Concerns
The Catalan tactician, known for his meticulous squad management, revealed that having too many players in the dressing room is creating an "unbalanced environment". With several high-profile names struggling for game time, tensions could rise if departures aren’t resolved soon.
Who Could Leave?
Among those at risk of an exit are:
- Kalvin Phillips – Struggling to break into the starting XI
- João Cancelo – Still out of favour after last season’s loan
- Bernardo Silva – Despite being a key player, speculation lingers
- Aymeric Laporte – Seeking more minutes elsewhere
- Riyad Mahrez – Already departed, but replacements add pressure
- Cole Palmer – Young talent attracting loan interest
Impact on Team Dynamics
Guardiola emphasised that keeping unhappy players risks disrupting the harmony that has been crucial to City’s recent dominance. "When players don’t play, frustration builds," he admitted. "It’s not good for anyone."
Transfer Deadline Looms
With just days remaining before the window shuts, City may need to offload talent to balance the books and maintain squad cohesion. Guardiola hinted that some "difficult decisions" may be necessary to avoid long-term issues.
