Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the need to reduce his squad size this summer for the benefit of the players.
Following several recent signings ahead of the Club World Cup, City now have more than 30 senior players, well above Guardiola’s preferred number of around 20.
Asked about transfer rumours linking midfielder Ilkay Gundogan with a move to Turkish club Galatasaray, Guardiola said he was not aware of any deals but stressed that some players will have to leave.
“I would love to keep all the players we have now for the whole season,” he said at a press conference in Atlanta. “But the problem is they will be unhappy, sad, and disappointed. I don’t want that. I do it for them, not for me.”
City began their Club World Cup campaign with a win over Wydad AC and face Al Ain on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where a victory would secure qualification to the last 16.
Guardiola confirmed that key midfielder Rodri remains unavailable to start as he continues his recovery from injury but is progressing well.
The Spaniard described taking part in the tournament as a “privilege” and praised the passion of South American teams, noting the intense atmosphere they bring to the competition.
“I love how all the games are tight… And people are surprised when European teams lose. Welcome to the real world,” he said.
Guardiola suggested that winning the Club World Cup would spark a “carnival for one week” across Brazil and Argentina and could provide a crucial boost for City after a trophyless season aside from the Community Shield.
“We want to fight to stay longer and longer,” Guardiola added, emphasising his team’s ambition to make a deep run in the competition and build momentum heading into the new campaign.
