Haaland Scores Twice as City Begin Title Defense
Manchester City started their Premier League campaign in style with a 4-0 win over Wolves at Molineux. Erling Haaland scored twice, while new signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki also found the net. The performance showcased City’s attacking power.
Despite the result, Pep Guardiola’s post-match focus was on the squad size. He called it “not healthy” and urged the club to reduce numbers before the window closed, comments first reported by ESPN.
“Too much, too many people,” Guardiola said. “I like a deep squad to compete in all competitions, but I don’t want to leave players at home. It’s not healthy.”
Guardiola: “Everyone Has to Feel They Can Play”
Guardiola stressed that while depth is important, too many unused players can hurt morale. He emphasized the need for clarity.
“Everyone has to feel they can play and help. The club has known it since last season. It’s not news, but the situation is what it is. In the next two weeks, people will talk with players and agents to find a solution.”
City had already sold James McAtee to Nottingham Forest for £30 million. Goalkeeper Ederson, absent due to illness, remained a key part of the plans at this point. Guardiola confirmed:
“He’s my No. 1. If a player wants to leave, he has to leave, but on the conditions of the club.”
Reijnders Impresses on Debut, City Embrace Speed
Tijjani Reijnders had a standout debut. He assisted both of Haaland’s goals and earned praise from Guardiola.
“He was really good. He’s a lovely guy and made an impact from day one. We know he is a top signing for the coming years.”
Guardiola was pleased with the speed in attack:
“We punished them on transitions because we have incredible pace, and that’s a weapon we want to use, to attack quicker than we did before.”
Wolves Manager Feels Scoreline Was Harsh
Wolves boss Vítor Pereira said the 4-0 score was misleading. His team had chances but couldn’t finish.
“If you hadn’t watched the game, it’s like they created a lot of chances and deserved 10 goals and we didn’t deserve anything, but it was not the case. Each mistake we committed, they punished us.”
What happened next
Guardiola’s squad trim went further than this early “No. 1” comment on Ederson suggested. By deadline day, Ederson himself had left for Fenerbahçe, joined by Kevin De Bruyne, İlkay Gündoğan, Manuel Akanji, and several fringe players, as City brought in Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford to reshape the goalkeeping department. City ended up complying with UEFA’s 25-man squad list rules well before the deadline.
