Man City just had a 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in round 1 of the Premier League, with a double from Erling Haaland and an impressive goal from rookie Tijjani Reijnders. However, coach Pep Guardiola did not seem too happy after this match.
Speaking in the press conference room, the Spaniard was straightforward: "So much. Too many people, too many players. The problem is not Ederson. Rodri and Phil were both absent today. Kovacic is injured but will return, while Savinho and Josko are absent.
We have Nathan and Gundo on the bench. I like a team with depth to compete in all competitions, but I don't want to leave players at home. I don't want that. That is not good for your health. You can't create an atmosphere or excitement to compete."
Some other names are also in question about Man City's future. Winger Savinho, who impressed last season, is attracting Tottenham Hotspur's attention. Meanwhile, veteran pillars such as Mateo Kovacic (31), Ilkay Gundogan (34) and Bernardo Silva (31) have to face competition from new signings such as Nico Gonzalez and Reijnders.
There is still a long season ahead, but Guardiola insists Man City will continue to maintain the highest ambition: "I never want to create a discouraged team. We have to maintain balance, so that everyone is excited to compete. At that time, we will have the opportunity to win all titles."
Along with Pep Guardiola's desire to reduce the number of players, goalkeeper Ederson is also being prepared to move to Galatasaray. Explaining the reason the Brazilian goalkeeper was absent from the match against Wolves, Pep said: "Ederson is sick, so he cannot play today".
