Pep Guardiola has signaled a clear intention to trim his Manchester City squad, emphasizing that such measures are ultimately in the best interest of the players themselves. The City manager, known for his meticulous planning and high standards, believes a streamlined squad benefits everyone involved, fostering a more competitive and healthy environment.

Guardiola's comments come after what many would consider a relatively disappointing 2024-2025 season for City. While they secured a top-five finish to ensure Champions League qualification, they failed to mount a serious title challenge, and a late push for silverware ended in an FA Cup Final defeat to Crystal Palace. This has prompted the manager and the club to re-evaluate their approach, including a restructuring of the playing staff.

One of Guardiola's primary concerns is the number of players regularly left out of matchday squads. He has openly stated that keeping four, five, or even six players at home is "not healthy" for anyone – the players, the club, or himself. A bloated squad can lead to discontent among those who aren't getting regular playing time, potentially hindering their development and impacting team morale. Guardiola wants players to have the chance to compete and contribute, and that becomes difficult when the squad is too large.

The theme of Guardiola's most successful squads has always been quality over quantity, a focus on relatively small groups of highly talented and versatile players. This approach requires a squad underpinned by exceptional fitness and tactical flexibility, reducing the need for a large number of back-ups. He wants players involved and engaged, not "at home with their families when the team is playing."

Already this summer, Manchester City has been active in the transfer market, both in terms of arrivals and departures. Key among the outgoings is Kevin De Bruyne, who has joined Napoli after his contract with City expired. Other potential departures include Kyle Walker, who was linked with AC Milan and is now attracting interest from Everton, and Jack Grealish, who Guardiola has seemingly confirmed is set to leave. In terms of incomings, City have already secured the signings of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, Rayan Cherki from Lyon, Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves, and backup goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea. The arrival of Norway sensation Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg for €15 million also highlights City's focus on securing top European talents.

While Guardiola acknowledges that informing players their time at City is up is never easy, he insists on honest and open conversations. The club will handle the discussions with agents and players regarding potential moves. Those most vulnerable are likely to be players who have slipped down the pecking order or find themselves in positions where the squad is overstocked.

With new signings already exceeding £100 million, and more expected before the transfer window closes, City's squad overhaul is well underway. The focus now is on creating a leaner, more competitive group of players who are all fighting for a place in the team, benefitting both the individual players and the club's overall ambitions. Guardiola aims for a squad size of around 21 or 22 players, allowing for a third-choice goalkeeper and accommodating injuries while providing opportunities for academy players. This strategic culling, while difficult, is seen as a necessary step to ensure Manchester City can compete for top honors in the upcoming season and provide the best possible environment for its players to thrive.