Pep Guardiola has hinted at underlying tensions within the Manchester City squad, subtly exposing a divide he’ll need to address as his side prepares for their FA Cup clash against Salford City.
During his recent press conference, Guardiola was asked about Kevin De Bruyne’s controversial comment regarding the Etihad crowd being “nervous.” Instead of focusing solely on the fans, Guardiola shifted his attention to the players, delivering a cryptic yet revealing assessment.
“We will do it. We will be back again,” Guardiola said, expressing confidence in his players’ ability to turn their season around after a rough patch.
“I want to fight and try to deliver to make you proud. If you help us, it will be easier. If [the fans] help us, the distance to come back will be shorter. [The players] are human beings. I know the players want to do it. I know them perfectly. Almost all of them want to do it.”
That “almost all” remark stood out. It was a rare admission from Guardiola, suggesting that not everyone in the squad shares the same drive to overcome their current struggles.
While Guardiola quickly moved on, stating that the team’s recent win against West Ham was welcome but far from their best performance, the implications of his comment lingered.
The focus then shifted to Jack Grealish, whom Guardiola challenged publicly to step up his contributions in goals and assists, citing the recent form of Savinho as an example to follow.
However, the message wasn’t exclusively for Grealish. It was a broader call to action for any underperforming players in the squad, reinforcing the notion that consistency remains the key to retaining a spot in Guardiola’s plans.
More concerning, though, is the suggestion that some players may not be fully committed to the collective cause. Guardiola has a history of dropping or selling players who put personal interests above the team, and his comments could serve as a subtle warning to those not fully on board.
When pressed on Friday about his “almost all” comment, Guardiola dismissed it, claiming he couldn’t remember his exact words.
While that explanation may be plausible, it’s likely a strategic move to avoid escalating the situation publicly. Still, the message will have been received loud and clear by the intended players.
For Guardiola, addressing these internal challenges will be critical as City looks to salvage their season. The squad must rally together if they are to maintain their dominance domestically and in Europe, and the FA Cup tie against Salford could be the first step in building a more unified front.
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