In the first round of the Premier League, Manchester City thrashed Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0, but Pep Guardiola still insisted that the team’s squad is overly large, posing unhealthy risks.
Guardiola stated that he was pleased with the immediate contributions of the new signings in Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Wolves at Molineux, but he emphasized that the squad is too big, with underlying unhealthy issues.
Summer signings Reinders and Sergi both scored in the victory at Molineux, while Ederson (linked with Galatasaray) and Savinho (targeted by Tottenham) missed the game due to ongoing uncertainty over their long-term futures. The Manchester City manager said club officials must "find solutions" before the transfer window closes next month.
Injured City players Rodri and Foden sat in the stands, and Guardiola also mentioned Kovačić and Gvardiol, who are set to return to match fitness soon. Ederson continues to be linked with Galatasaray, while Savinho has attracted interest from Tottenham. Rico Lewis, who has been targeted by Nottingham Forest, started at full-back in this match, which may indicate he could stay at Manchester City.
When asked if he was satisfied with the squad after the Wolves game, Guardiola replied: “There are too many players. The issue today isn’t Ederson; it’s the absence of Rodri, Foden, Kovačić, Savinho, and Gvardiol. Then there are Ake and Gündogan on the bench. I like having a deep squad to handle all competitions, but I don’t want players sitting at home. That’s not healthy—you can’t create a good atmosphere or competitive team spirit that way.
“The club has been aware of this problem since last season, but this is the current situation. Over the next two weeks, relevant personnel will hold talks with players and their agents to find solutions. We have to reduce the squad size; otherwise, maintaining team morale will be extremely difficult.”
Wolves paid tribute to Jota and his brother André Silva in their first official match since the pair’s passing. “Jota and his brother were deeply etched in our minds before, during, and after the game, and they will always remain in our hearts,” said Wolves manager and fellow Portuguese Bruno Lage. “They are still with us. We did our best to honor them as players and as people, and also for their family. We will keep them in our memories forever, and they will stay with us always.”
