Guardiola Begins Squad Overhaul as Injuries and Form Plague Manchester City
LONDON:Pep Guardiola has revealed that Manchester City’s poor form and injury struggles this season forced the club to begin revamping the squad earlier than planned.
After dominating the Premier League with six titles in seven seasons, City’s pursuit of a fifth consecutive championship has faltered. Instead of fighting for the title, Guardiola’s side is now battling to secure a top-four finish and a spot in next season’s Champions League.
In response, City has launched an unexpected mid-season rebuild, signing Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov (from Lens), Brazilian teenager Vitor Reis (from Palmeiras), and Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush (from Eintracht Frankfurt) for a combined fee of £123 million ($152 million). The changes have also paved the way for Kyle Walker’s likely loan move to AC Milan.
“Last season, we didn’t do much in the market because of the quality of the team,” Guardiola said on Friday. “But with the injuries and problems we’re facing, we couldn’t wait. These players will strengthen us for the future.”
With new injuries to Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku, the recently signed players will be available for City’s crucial clash against Chelsea. Guardiola praised the recruits, particularly Marmoush, calling him a player with an “exceptional future.”
Despite City’s recent 4-2 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain and looming Champions League elimination, Guardiola remains optimistic about advancing past Club Brugge next week. “We can make it. I think it’s going to happen,” he said confidently.
City, currently fifth in the league, will face fourth-placed Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Guardiola acknowledged the importance of the game: “It’s really important. The next two games, against Chelsea and Brugge, are finals for us.”
Chelsea Manager Maresca Dismisses Garnacho Links
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has downplayed rumors linking his club with Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho. Despite Garnacho’s agents being spotted at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s recent win over Wolves, Maresca expressed satisfaction with his current wide options, even as Mykhailo Mudryk faces a doping investigation.
Arteta Stresses Arsenal’s Need for a Striker
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized the club’s need for attacking reinforcements as the transfer window nears its close. With injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, Arsenal lacks a consistent goalscoring threat. The Gunners, chasing leaders Liverpool, are the only team in the Premier League’s top six without a player scoring double-digit goals this season.
Arteta confirmed Arsenal is actively seeking a striker ahead of their match against Wolves on Saturday, stating, “We lack options, and we’re working to address that.”
