Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the delicate balance required in managing a squad brimming with quality, insisting that players left out of the starting line-up are entitled to feel sad
The Manchester City manager has largely relied on a consistent core of players in recent weeks, a strategy that has delivered a strong run of results.
Victories against top sides, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, have reinforced his trust in a settled XI, with only minimal adjustments made during that period.
That continuity has brought defensive stability and rhythm, with Guardiola noting his side’s impressive record, conceding just once across several matches.
Yet such consistency inevitably comes at a cost, leaving a number of players on the fringes with limited opportunities to feature.
Some players unhappy with the limited rotation
With Manchester City no longer involved in European competition, the schedule has allowed for longer recovery periods between matches.
While that has benefited those regularly starting, it has reduced the need for rotation — and, in turn, restricted chances for others.
Guardiola did not shy away from addressing the emotional impact this can have within the squad, particularly as attention turns to a crucial domestic run-in and an FA Cup semi-final clash with Southampton.
“The players who don’t aren’t too happy,” he said. “Because, you know, the last games we have long weeks, I rotate less.
“In the last five, six games, we conceded one goal. With the Arsenal game and the rest we have been quite good. I always try to involve everyone, but when I arrive in the last part of the season, always I try.”
Guardiola acknowledged that managing physical strain is now as important as maintaining form.
“Now, I’m pretty sure in the last four, five games, in the team the vibe is good, I rotate less and make less changes. Now I have to think about it because today people were, on the second day, always tired and we are a little bit drained and some physios told me be careful of that player, that player, for the history, for the potential injury.
“If one player is injured right now, it’s gone, it is over. And now I want to have the players available for Everton until the end.”
The Spaniard’s concern highlights the fine margins at this stage of the season. With key fixtures still to come — including league encounters and cup commitments — preserving squad fitness could prove decisive.
Opportunity and mentality ahead of Wembley
Despite the limited rotation in recent weeks, Guardiola is well aware of the depth at his disposal.
Earlier in the competition, City demonstrated their strength by making wholesale changes for a tie against Newcastle United, yet still securing a comfortable victory.
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Performances from players such as Savinho and Omar Marmoush underlined the quality waiting in reserve.
However, the challenge now is not just tactical but psychological. Guardiola must assess which players are prepared to channel their frustration into performances when called upon, particularly on a stage as significant as Wembley.
“They can be so sad, as much they train good and they have a good relation with their mates and the organisation on the pitch and off the pitch, because they pay the salaries and take care of them incredibly, it’s more than fine, it is normal,” he said.
“I would not like it if they are happy. As much as they train good and they are focused and respect what Manchester City means, it’s fine.”
With this statement, Guardiola appears less concerned with players’ emotions than with how they respond to them.
