Pep Guardiola calls for new signings in January transfer window

Pep Guardiola urges Manchester City to sign a holding midfielder and centre-back in the January transfer window, citing squad struggles due to injuries.

 

 

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]anchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on the club to sign a holding midfielder and a centre-back during the January transfer window, stating that these additions will help rejuvenate his squad.

Guardiola’s plea comes after City ended a disappointing five-match winless streak with a 2-0 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

 

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Before their win over Leicester, the Cityzens had won just one of their last nine Premier League matches, leaving them four points adrift of the top four.

Guardiola cited injuries as a key factor in the team’s struggles, particularly the prolonged absence of key players.

Holding midfielder Rodri is unlikely to feature again for City this season, while centre-backs John Stones and Ruben Dias have also missed significant time.

Stones has played just two of City’s last 13 matches, and Dias has been absent for the last three games.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola acknowledged the challenges the squad has faced due to injuries. “Kevin [de Bruyne] is back but we need more in the middle and the back four; we have struggled with full-backs and central defenders,” he said.

Guardiola also noted that although the squad is strong, the lack of depth has made it difficult to maintain consistent form.

“When we are all together, we are the team we were but with important players out for weeks and months, it’s so difficult,” he explained.

The Manchester City boss expressed hope that the club would be able to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window, although he recognised that the market is challenging and the necessary signings would be expensive.