Update: ’45 players’ – Pep Guardiola talks Man City exits and transfer plan after Kevin De Bruyne News

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about how the squad could be different next season as the Blues look to rebuild

Pep Guardiola played down the idea of a Manchester City exodus after Kevin De Bruyne’s exit was confirmed. The Belgian will leave the Etihad at the end of the season after 10 years with the club deciding not to offer him a new deal.

There has been much debate over the changes needed at City, with Guardiola describing the midfield as ‘old’ earlier in the campaign and supporters critical of a number of players. A midfield at Old Trafford last week that featured four players in their 30s did not have the energy or precision to break down a weak United side.

However, some of the older players have hit out at the suggestion they can no longer offer enough to the team. Bernardo Silva said after the FA Cup win at Bournemouth that Mateo Kovacic and himself were ready to prove anybody wrong who wanted them to be moved on.

Speaking a week after De Bruyne’s news, Guardiola played down the idea of many departures as he pointed out that everyone else is still under contract. And for all the talk of players coming in, he still doesn’t want a much bigger squad despite the problems that have been caused by so many injuries this season.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said. “The club is working but we are not going to have 45 players in the squad.

“It’s unsustainable so we have to see. Except Kevin, all the others have contracts and we will see how they are and how they behave.”

Guardiola will not be able to welcome any new faces back to his team for the visit of Crystal Palace on Saturday as the team’s injury problems continue. However, he retains faith that they will do enough to secure Champions League qualification for next season

“They’re still injured. It has happened all season. We adapt,” he said.

“You can see it as a problem or a challenge or a disaster. It could be worse. I’m really satisfied for the way he handle it.

“We have a chance to qualify for the Champions League next season. This is what we have to do, especially at home and tomorrow is a team who has been in incredible form in the last two months and they have always been difficult here.

“I admire the manager, the talent they have. But at the same time, I’m optimistic to finish well this season.”

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