Pep Guardiola labels Man City squad 'not healthy' despite thrashing of Wolves

Pep Guardiola watched Manchester City kick off the Premier League season with a 4-0 thrashing of Wolves at Molineux - and then labelled his squad "not healthy".

City were too good for their hosts at Molineux, as Erling Haaland scored twice and new Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders ran the show as Vitor Pereira's men were put to the sword. New No.1 James Trafford was scarcely tested between the sticks and another debutant, Rayan Cherki, came off the bench to score on a day when Wolves fans paid tribute to Diogo Jota, in front of the tragic former Portugal star's wife and family.

But despite their thumping start to the new campaign, Guardiola said there is critical work to be done to his current squad in the two weeks before the close of the summer transfer window, with speculation mounting over Ederson's future. Guardiola had said on Friday that his long-time No.1 would start in the Black Country, only for the Brazilian to not be included in the matchday squad. City insisted he fell ill on Friday.

READ MORE: Ederson left out by Man City as he approves transfer - but opening offer rejected

READ MORE: Diogo Jota's wife and parents wipe away tears as Wolves pay poignant tribute to tragic star

Guardiola had little more to offer on Ederson post-game, but instead insisted that City must trim down their squad in the next two weeks, declaring; "Too much. Too many people, too many players."

The City boss said: "It’s not about Eddy. Today there was Rodri and Phil [Foden] out, Kovacic is injured but will be back and Savinho and Josko are out. On the bench we had Nathan and Gundo. I like a deep squad to compete in all competitions but I don’t want to leave players at home. I don't want it. It’s not healthy.

"You cannot create a good vibe or atmosphere to compete. Everyone has to feel they can play and can help and compete with their mate for the opponents. The club has known it since last season so 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."

On the impact of new signing Reijnders, who was outstanding on his Premier League debut following his summer switch from AC Milan, Guardiola added: "He is a typical player we will need in the Premier League. He is an incredible, big signing for us.

"His work ethic, a holding midfielder occupies a lot of spaces and then after the control with the ball and his movements, and then he is trying to get in behind and score. We know he is a top signing for the coming years for City."

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