Pep Guardiola Defends Manchester City Squad

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The comments come amid increasing scrutiny of City’s roster, particularly after the summer transfer window, which saw the departure of younger talents and the arrival of experienced campaigners.

Manchester City Coach Pep Guardiola. Photo/Getty Images.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has pushed back against criticism that his squad’s age profile might be a concern, emphasizing the enduring quality and influence of players over the age of 30 in top-tier football.

In a recent press conference, Guardiola highlighted the experience and consistency that seasoned players bring to the game, referencing Real Madrid’s trio of midfield stalwarts—Casemiro, Toni Kroos, and Luka Modrić—who were instrumental in the Spanish club’s dominance in European football over the past decade.

“Do you know how many good players there are over 30?” Guardiola asked rhetorically, addressing reporters. “I saw Real Madrid with Casemiro, Kroos, and Modrić, all more than 30… and they won the Champions League, Champions League, Champions League, and played every three days!”

The comments come amid increasing scrutiny of City’s roster, particularly after the summer transfer window, which saw the departure of younger talents and the arrival of experienced campaigners.

Critics have suggested that an aging squad could impact the team’s ability to compete across multiple competitions as the season progresses.

Guardiola, however, dismissed such concerns, pointing to the mental and technical attributes seasoned players bring to the pitch.

“Players with experience understand the game better.They know how to manage high-pressure moments, recover quickly, and adapt tactically. Age is just a number when you are committed and take care of yourself,” he said.

The Catalan manager’s argument finds support in City’s recent performances, with players like Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gündoğan (before his summer departure to Barcelona), and Kyle Walker consistently delivering crucial contributions despite being in their 30s.

Guardiola also suggested that City’s meticulous squad rotation and sports science strategies ensure that older players remain fit and competitive.

Real Madrid’s success, highlighted by five Champions League titles between 2014 and 2022, reinforces Guardiola’s view.

Casemiro (now with Manchester United), Kroos, and Modrić were pivotal to that era of dominance, proving that experience can triumph over youthful exuberance in the highest-pressure scenarios.

As City continue their campaign to defend the Premier League title and compete for European glory, Guardiola’s philosophy will be tested. But with a manager known for defying conventions and a squad that continues to deliver under pressure, age might indeed prove to be an advantage rather than a liability.

Guardiola’s confidence in his seasoned players underscores his belief in quality over age and reflects the broader trend in football where experience remains a prized commodity at the elite level.

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