Guardiola threatens to drop Man City stars after chat with club director
Pep Guardiola emphasizes that he is unafraid to exclude important players from the lineup for strategic, physical, or psychological considerations, as Manchester City strives to achieve an extraordinary treble.
The Catalan manager possesses a team of exceptional talent, necessitating difficult choices among the top players available to him.
This afternoon, Manchester City will welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium as they aim to end their home campaign on a high note. Subsequent matches against Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford in the Premier League, the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, and the Champions League final at Istanbul’s Ataturk Stadium are within reach, offering the possibility of securing a treble.
To accomplish such a remarkable feat, effective man management plays a crucial role, especially when a coach possesses a wealth of talented players like Guardiola does. Sir Alex Ferguson, the sole manager to have successfully guided an English club to the treble, was a master at handling this challenge.
Guardiola has emphasized that his players understand and respect his decisions regarding team selections, ensuring that no individual feels entitled to start every match throughout the season.
Furthermore, he has highlighted the significance of healthy competition within the squad, recognizing that it is crucial for sustaining Manchester City’s exceptional performance levels, keeping them at an unmatched standard.
Guardiola said: “At the beginning of the season, I went to my sport director and I said, ‘Did you sign some players, or do any of the players have a clause that they have to play 100 per cent in all the games?’
“He said to me, ‘No.’ So there is not one player we have signed who can sit with the manager and say, ‘I have to play.’
“They have to accept my decision. Everyone accepts it. It is difficult for the players to accept that maybe they are out of form or there is a tactical decision.
“They have to know the season is so long, and everyone has opportunities. They have to be ready, and they have to fight against their mates.”
Guardiola’s choices to rest key members of the elite squad, such as Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Riyad Mahrez, have attracted attention and surprised many throughout the current season.
However, it is worth noting that his abilities in man-management are often overlooked compared to his tactical brilliance. This season, his adept handling of the team has allowed their strengths to truly shine and has played a significant role in their success.
Guardiola threatens to drop Man City stars after chat with club director
