Pep Guardiola has warned that Manchester City may need to be busier than they expect in the transfer window. The Catalan left the Etihad after ten years in charge this summer and while he hands over a squad that won two trophies last season he suggested that new boss Enzo Maresca could have some unexpected issues.
Guardiola's Regret Over Squad Turnover
Guardiola was ready to leave in 2024 but, having insisted to the recruitment team that a squad turnover was not necessary after four consecutive Premier League titles, decided to stay on when it became clear that he had got it wrong. More than £400m was spent across 18 months on rejuvenating a group that were flagging, and the Blues won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup while pushing Arsenal hard in the Premier League title race.
Maresca's Transfer Activity
City have moved on with Maresca returning to the club, and continued to spend; Elliot Anderson has been brought in for a new club record £116m and the club are still looking to add a right-back, another midfielder and a forward this summer. However, while the incomings will all be expected to improve the squad there may also be departures that weaken City.
Guardiola's Warning
“I spoke many times with the Man City sporting director, Txiki Begiristain and Hugo Viana, and said, 'Now we have a young team for the next three or four years'. It’s not true. You don’t know why, but it doesn’t work,” Guardiola told City sponsor OKX.
“A lot of players, young players, don’t play and say, 'I want to leave. I’m here in cold Manchester, not playing, I want to leave'. And you have to replace those guys. But the big task is how the club, organisation, sporting director, manager, CEO, hierarchy recruit the right players you need - everyone makes mistakes, but make as few as possible. That’s the key point.”
