Guardiola admits squad depth concerns

Man City squad depth is the issue Guardiola hinted at after the 0-2 loss to Bayer Leverkusen. The result was more than a bad night; it exposed a broader fragility in rotation across the Premier League, Champions League, and cups. While Erling Haaland’s goals have powered City this season, a deeper concern remains about the balance and readiness of the squad when minutes accumulate. Without credible alternatives, City risk fatigue, dropped intensity, and inconsistent performances as the campaign wears on. The issue is not merely personnel; it is about sustaining pressure, quality, and competition on multiple fronts.

The challenge of rotating Haaland and others

Haaland’s goalscoring prowess has masked a wider balance problem. The team has relied on him domestically, but to win across the season they must diversify the attack and share the load. A deeper bench and versatile options would protect the system when Haaland rests or is targeted by opponents. Guardiola’s stance is clear: depth matters as much as stars, and the Leverkusen setback highlighted midfield and defensive gaps where makeshift selections were forced and key players overburdened. If City fail to close the gap in numbers and versatility, last season’s dips could return on European nights and during a heavy league schedule. This is not solely about Haaland; it is about building viable, trusted options across every line. Sky Sports analysis.