Pep Guardiola said he was delighted with his new signings’ immediate impact in Manchester City’s 4-0 rout of Wolves but insisted his squad is too big and at risk of being unhealthy.
The summer arrivals Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki both scored in the victory at Molineux, where goalkeeper Ederson and midfielder Savinho were absent amid doubts over their long-term futures. The City manager said the club’s hierarchy must “find a solution” before the transfer window closes next month.
The injured City pair Rodri and Phil Foden were in the stands, while Guardiola also cited Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol, who are both nearing returns to match fitness. Ederson has been linked with a move to Galatasaray while Savinho is of interest to Tottenham. Rico Lewis, who is wanted by Nottingham Forest, started at full-back in a sign he could stay at City.
Asked if he was happy with his squad after the victory at Wolves, Guardiola replied: “Too many people. It’s not about Eddy [Ederson], today [there] was [no] Rodri, Phil, Kovacic, Savinho and Josko. On the bench we had Nathan [Aké] and Gündo [Ilkay Gündogan]. I like a deep squad to compete in all competitions but I don’t want to leave players at home. It’s not healthy. You cannot create a good vibe or atmosphere to compete.
“The club has known [about] it since last season but the situation is what it is. In the next two weeks, people will talk with players and agents to find a solution. We have to reduce the squad because it will be difficult to sustain the vibe of the team.”
A tifo is unfurled as a minute’s applause is observed in memory of Diogo Jota before Wolves faced Manchester City. Photograph: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images
Wolves paid tribute to Diogo Jota in their first competitive game since the death of their former player and his brother, André Silva. “Jota and his brother are in our minds and were in our hearts before, during and after the game,” said the Wolves head coach, their Portuguese compatriot Vítor Pereira. “They are still with us and we tried to do our best to honour them as players, people, because of their families. We will keep him in our hearts for the future and he will be with us for ever.”
Jota’s parents and his wife, Rute Cardoso, were in attendance, along with his former teammate Rúben Neves and Portugal’s manager, Roberto Martinez.
