Man City will 'sell half of Pep Guardiola's starters' as club prepares massive overhaul

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who is under increased scrutiny, is reportedly planning a massive overhaul of his squad, which could see half of his 11 starters sold. It comes as the reigning Premier League champions face increasing pressure after a disappointing season.

Despite being one of the most successful managers in football history, with six English league titles to his name as well as trophies from his time at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Guardiola's current campaign is far from brilliant. The Citizens are now struggling to make the top four after being knocked out of the title race.

After a dismal run of just one win and two draws in their last 11 games, Guardiola and the club's hierarchy would agree on the need for significant changes.

Key players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Ederson and Kyle Walker could potentially be on the chopping block.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has shed light on the club's situation, according to the Daily Record, stating that members of the organization believe the “essence” of the team has been lost.

He said: “They usually achieve their targets and the renewed target this season is top four. That's what City want to do. That's the target they all set for themselves. I think They will get there. They are not that far away at the moment.

“They want to rediscover the essence of the team, the look of the team. But it is clear that Pep Guardiola is going to use the last two years of his contract – which will probably be the last two of his career as a club manager – to prepare a new Manchester City.

“I have a very clear idea that they will want to get rid of five or six regular starters for Manchester City and bring in five or six new starters. Half the team. It's a new era. The end of this one. here and there a new era begins.

“The cycle is over, but remember that only a month and a half ago they hadn't lost a game and were top of the table. But in my eyes that's what's happening. what are they going to do next?

Balague then revealed an incident involving Guardiola and Kyle Walker, hinting at internal conflicts: “[Guardiola] is protected by his people but he feels that many people want Manchester City to fail.

“The day before [the Feyenoord game] there was an argument – ​​but a football argument – ​​about position play and where he should play with Kyle Walker. And he got nervous and he marked his nose and they put a blanket over it. It was in his own office.

“It shows that he's tense and he's nervous of course. You know he doubts himself a lot, he always has. He thinks 'I'm not going to be able to understand this' and he needs of the people's support. And it's clear that he has the support of the people and that he will find a solution.”