Pep insists he doesn't want a large squad next season
Guardiola Drops Bombshell Over Future as De Bruyne Waves Goodbye
Pep Guardiola has sensationally threatened to walk away from Manchester City this summer unless his demands for a streamlined squad are met.
Pep Guardiola has sensationally threatened to walk away from Manchester City this summer unless his demands for a streamlined squad are met — a stunning development that casts fresh uncertainty over the club’s future just days before the end of a turbulent season.
City, who have surrendered their Premier League crown and find themselves trailing Liverpool and Arsenal in third, are already bracing for a significant summer rebuild. The departure of Kevin De Bruyne, one of the club’s greatest ever players, signals the end of an era — but Guardiola has warned that unless the club aligns with his vision, he may not be part of the next one.
Speaking after Tuesday night’s emotional farewell to De Bruyne at the Etihad, Guardiola made his position unequivocally clear:
“I told the club I don’t want a big squad. I don’t want to bring in five or six players. I don’t want that. I will quit. If they don’t make a short squad, I will not stay. It’s impossible for my soul to put players in the tribune and not let them play.”
His comments stunned many inside and outside the club — especially given the timing, with City still needing to secure Champions League football next season. A point away at Fulham on Sunday is now vital to locking in a top-five finish and salvaging what has otherwise been a disappointing campaign.
Meanwhile, the night also marked a poignant farewell for De Bruyne, who was visibly emotional as he waved to fans after what is expected to be his final home appearance in sky blue. The 33-year-old, whose contract will not be renewed, leaves the Etihad with an extraordinary legacy: over 400 appearances, six Premier League titles, five League Cups, two FA Cups and a Champions League crown.
Despite missing a golden chance to score — firing against the crossbar from close range — De Bruyne was serenaded by the home crowd, with Guardiola himself moved to tears on the touchline.
As one chapter closes, City’s focus now turns to the immediate task of finishing the job at Fulham — and to whether Guardiola, the architect of their modern dominance, will be in place to lead whatever comes next.
