Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is sticking with his senior players to help the team recover from a rough patch. The Blues have been in a slump, winning just one of their last 11 matches across all competitions and losing eight. With injuries piling up and more players struggling for fitness, City’s options have been stretched thin.
Despite having promising young talents like James McAtee and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey in the squad, Guardiola has rarely called upon them during this difficult run.
McAtee, who had a successful loan spell at Sheffield United last season, has only featured twice in the Premier League this term, both times as a late substitute. Simpson-Pusey, who filled in earlier this season, hasn’t started a match since.
RECALL:
City’s injury list includes Ruben Dias, Ederson, and Rodri, while others like Manuel Akanji have only just returned to training. Guardiola has always preferred a small squad, relying on versatility and experience, but the relentless schedule and recurring injuries have left the team exposed.
Instead of turning to less experienced players, Guardiola has doubled down on his faith in his senior stars, trusting them to lead the team back to form.
QUOTES:
When asked why younger players haven’t been given more minutes, Guardiola said:
“In this period, I’m putting the responsibility on the senior players. Maybe it’s unfair, and maybe I’m wrong, but in bad moments, they have to show what we are as a team.”
Speaking about McAtee and others, he explained:
“The young players are always ready. They don’t defend the past, they are free, and they can do it. But I’ve felt the need to trust the experienced players to guide us through this tough time.”
CITATIONS:
Pep Guardiola, Pre-Match Press Conference, December 20, 2024
KEEP IN MIND:
With City facing a relentless fixture list, Guardiola may need to rotate his squad more and rely on younger players. If the senior stars can’t turn things around soon, McAtee and Simpson-Pusey might have the chance to prove themselves in the first team.
