Pep Guardiola - 2024/25

[WallyA]

I wouldn't dismiss this as much as some are, simply because it's how Pep has always operated.

He is now seeing that with everybody fit, and with those 4 new players in the winter, he doesn't want to keep 5 or 6 in the reserves, even though they would be useful in an injury crisis.

He has never seen an injury crisis like the one we had with so many defensive players out (basically the starting back "5") and I don't think he expects it again.

He rightly pointed out that some simply know they will hardly play, but what he didn't say is that I think this only applies to older players like Grealish, and so they look lazy in training and can sour the mood. But somebody like Echeverri, who probably knew he was barely going to play, would always fight to make the squad as he still has that desire.

I think this is why Barca's current youth strategy is paying off, their squad is actually quite big when you consider the youth, but they are fighting every day in training to play and compete, whereas older seniors might not have that fight in them anymore.

He may not do just 19, but I don't see him going with the 25 or so we currently have, I also think its too much.

I also think if the squad gets bigger, he will be okay keeping the likes of Reis, Khusanov and Echeverri around, they won't cause a stir, will fight in training, and can be asked to play if an injury crisis happens.

 

[samuelyeboah]

I want to highlight a controversial opinion - it was actually a fantastic idea to sub out Kev right after the red card. The gravity of the moment and of Kev's career and the standing ovation was used very smartly in order to suck out a lot of the bournemouth's enthusiasm after the red card. I don't know if pep did it on purpose but I think it ended up working very well

 

[Damanino]

Viana needs to be clever. he wont be guarded like Txiki if he makes big gaffes.

 

[wolviedinho]

All these cunts twisting Peps words, along with the ones who want him out. Be careful what you wish for. You don't know what you've got until it's gone.

As long as pep and khaldoon are aligned it don’t matter what is written or how it is twisted. We have a good thing with the boss, enjoy it until he leaves.

Anyone looking rid is not thinking about what’s best for city.

 

[WallyA]

Please stick to the 433 false winger system.

Every game this season, we have always looked the best in this system.

It's not too different from the 4222, both have alot of overlapping principles with wingers inside and wide fullbacks, but this system will suit Haaland when he eventually figures out how to play again.

 

[Gorton_Tubster]

How many players in the squad does he want and how many have we got?

 

[WallyA]

How many players in the squad does he want and how many have we got?

I think the squad is currently at around 28

3 Goalies
Carson
Ortega
Ederson

9 Defenders
Nunes
Khusanov
Reis
Dias
Akanji
Stones
Ake
Gvardiol
O Reilly

16 Midfield and Forwards
Savio
Foden
Bobb
Kevin
Lewis
Bernie
Kovacic
Rodri
Nico
Gundogan
Echeverri
Doku
Grealish
McAtee
Marmoush
Haaland

I think this is also too big. I think 25 is a good size though, so about 3 less.

 

[Dizbuster]

You like to moan from what I've read.

You're the one doing the moaning here.

 

[Dizbuster]

I think the squad is currently at around 28

3 Goalies
Carson
Ortega
Ederson

9 Defenders
Nunes
Khusanov
Reis
Dias
Akanji
Stones
Ake
Gvardiol
O Reilly

16 Midfield and Forwards
Savio
Foden
Bobb
Kevin
Lewis
Bernie
Kovacic
Rodri
Nico
Gundogan
Echeverri
Doku
Grealish
McAtee
Marmoush
Haaland

I think this is also too big. I think 25 is a good size though, so about 3 less.

No need to fret about this; there will be plenty of outgoings this summer.

 

[Alvin-blue-qhd]

A very unique reason to quit...

 

[Dizbuster]

Didn't he say it was a mistake not to have a bigger squad after all the injuries ? or is it my imagination ?

This may be what you're referring to:

https://www.tntsports.co.uk/footbal...ngs_sto20070872/story.shtml?welcome=eurosport

 

[halfcenturyup]

Viana needs to be clever. he wont be guarded like Txiki if he makes big gaffes.

Yes, I was wondering who the "club" is that he told this to, and why on earth he thinks he needed to tell them this. Assuming he did say it in the way it's reported, of course. It's hard to tell with Guardiola press musings.

 

[TonyM]

All those cunts that want Pep gone.

You don't realise what you've got until it's gone.

That's the point of the Pep out proponents.

You don't realize what we had until its gone. We had a squad of legends. That's gone. We had a style that was the envy of the footballing world. Gone. We had a results machine. Gone. We had innovative tactics. Gone. Amazing player development. Gone. Etc. etc.

Pep was amazing for us but every team needs high energy and optimism. I don't see that in our squad. If Pep can bring it back it'd be amazing but I just can't see that.

Imo we need a new voice asap because what is gone is gone.

 

[Great Kompany]

Saw his eyes tearing up during KDB’s farewell.
Fuck it. That’s my bald fraud. I want him to manage City another 10 years. I can take a few more final losses!

 

[Gabriel]

I agree with Guardiola on reducing the size of the squad, but that also means he’ll need to be more flexible, too. The League Cup, for instance, should not be prioritised, and he’ll need to start going to his bench earlier and more often. This season has been unique in terms of injuries, but we lost out on two trophies last season because the squad was already fatigued. Reasoned, in-house discussions should see a compromise.

 

[Draikin]

Interesting pep said again he wants a ‘small’ squad. He doesn’t want 24/25 players and having to leave players out. Even after this season he’s adamant he needs a smaller squad of pretty much just match day players to create a tight knit group. If there are a slew of injuries he’ll call up EDS players.

So we should see a few leaving if we’re bringing any in. Wonder what it means for the young lads we bought…loans maybe?

He has to adapt to reality, UEFA/FIFA added too many games for a small squad to handle.

 

[Paul1970]

Needs to trust his so called fringe players because if he did we’d have an fa cup and probably a second place finish .

 

[Gabriel]

Needs to trust his so called fringe players because if he did we’d have an fa cup and probably a second place finish .

We’d probably have won more last season, too. We need flexibility from both the club and Pep.

 

[Paul1970]

One of the best performances this season and in 37 league games but it was against Bournemouth who every season we usually take apart with ease so before everyone in here wages about if remember we need to be competing with them he likes of arsenal and Liverpool who will once again be looking to win the title and beat that pep likes using a smaller squad but look what happened this year with that and say we go with that again and we get the same injuries again then what . Everytine we win the flaws are forgotten and even last night people where calling for kdb and b silva to stay but tonight was one game and we need these players on song for a season which they can’t anymore . Legends for city but they move on and we can’t use a small squad again. .

 

[oldius]

We had multiple years of outstanding success with one of the smallest squads in the league.
We don't need to be fearful of Pep's words - it is how he manages to keep the group sharp and motivated.
We have been caught out this year because he believed that he could rely on those who had brought so much success, but we were then caught out by injury, illness and a natural come-down from achieving everything the game has to offer.

If you want to run a small squad, it is just apparent that you cannot have a group of players who are susceptible to injury. I think we must also more regularly play those who may be the 'second group' within the 25 so that they are sharp and can be relied upon to rest the first eleven.

Much as it is painful, it is the right time for Kev to go, and probably John Stones too. There may be others who are not happy to remain, so they have to go.