Pep Guardiola shifts blame as Man City manager confronts a new crisis.

Pep Guardiola has criticized the congested football schedule for Manchester City’s recent struggles and has informed the club’s hierarchy that a larger squad will be necessary to meet the growing demands.

On the same day City reported a record annual revenue of £715 million, with a £78 million profit, Guardiola expressed his concerns:

“There are more games and more injuries than ever before. With this calendar, we need a squad of 25-30 players. Financially, it’s tougher for the club, but we’ll play the Club World Cup in the summer for three weeks, then start the Premier League right after. A deeper squad is essential.”

Although City made a £139 million profit in transfers last year, Guardiola faces the Manchester derby with only three available defenders. Manuel Akanji, John Stones, and Nathan Ake are injured, Rico Lewis is suspended, and Rodri remains a long-term absentee. There are also lingering doubts over the fitness of Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden.

Guardiola pointed to the relentless schedule as the root of the problem, saying:

“It’s not about training, doctors, physios, the players’ diets, or rest—it’s the schedule. Without players, everything becomes harder. When we won the Treble or four in a row, we had only one or two muscular injuries. Now, it’s about surviving until the players return. Champions League qualification won’t be easy, but if we can manage that, who knows what January or February will bring.”

Despite City’s strong financial position, Guardiola is not expecting a spending spree in January. Instead, he hopes for the squad to regain full fitness:

“What I want is my players back, the squad we had at the start of the season. My regret isn’t about not signing new players—it’s not having the ones we already have fit and available. Massive congratulations to the club for the accounts, but sustainability doesn’t mean we can buy whatever we want, especially with today’s transfer market prices.”

Reflecting on the challenges of his role, Guardiola added:

“In this job, you’re always under scrutiny. But I’m fine. My feelings remain the same as they’ve been in recent weeks. I’m pleased with how we’ve played; we just need to keep working and mov

ing forward.”