As the transfer season draws to a close, Pep Guardiola has opened up about Manchester City’s decisions. The Premier League winners saw some major signings with Erling Haaland and Kalvin Phillips joining, but big names like Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have departed as well. While Sterling went to Chelsea, the other two headed to Arsenal. 

The trio individually expressed that part of why they sought the move away from City was because of the reduced game time, with the Spanish manager preferring to play Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez and Joao Cancelo. 

Sterling recently said, “Everyone wants to feel wanted, football is no different. When you play your heart out, sacrifice some of your kids’ birthdays, and then get treated in a certain way, it’s disappointing”, and added, “At the time I was fuming, raging. It was a shame to see how it ended in the end because I had such a great time there”, Metro reported. 

Also Read | Why Casemiro won’t play for Manchester United against Liverpool

Guardiola defended his decision, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of City’s game against Newcastle. He said, “If you force one person to stay when he doesn’t want to stay how can you get the best from him? It’s impossible”. 

However, the Spaniard added “I wouldn’t want to move anyone on now. I love this squad I have”, and continued, “I feel comfortable training with them because after six, seven years we know each other incredibly well. In the bad moments, I know how they react; they are incredible professionals.” 

Also Read | Will Man United finally sign Antony? Where deal with Ajax player stands

He concluded, “I would love to stay all together but at the same time the transfer window ends in 10-15 days and if a player wants to leave then we will find a solution. Which one, I don’t know but we will find it.” 

City are not expected to make any new signings but Barcelona are still eyeing Bernardo Silva. However, considering the €100 million price tag attached to the attacking midfielder, it is unlikely the Spanish side will complete the transfer within this window.