Pep Guardiola enraged Paul Merson by claiming Manchester City faced an ‘emergency’ due to injuries, with the pundit using Everton and Newcastle as examples to express his disdain.
Writing in his Daily Star column, Merson suggested the Toffees and Toon would swap their squads to be in Guardiola’s shoes. The Citizens boss stated this week, via Sky Sports, that injuries, illness and suspensions had left his team in ‘trouble’ after slashing his options.
Kevin De Bruyne has missed three Premier League games after testing positive for Covid-19. While Phil Foden and Jack Grealish have spent spells on the sidelines through injury.
Aymeric Laporte also missed the Etihad Stadium side’s win at Aston Villa after earning five yellow cards. While Ferran Torres is out for the rest of the year with an ankle injury.
Guardiola suggested the number of issues sustained at once left Manchester City with ‘just 15 or 14 players’. But Merson argues those 15 are still better than most team’s full squads.
Merson uses Everton and Newcastle to express disdain at Guardiola’s inane claim
Merson used Everton and Newcastle as examples to express his disdain at Guardiola for claiming Manchester City faced an ‘emergency’.
“Guardiola has some cheek complaining about emergencies at Manchester City!” Merson wrote. “He says his squad is in an emergency situation because he only has 15 players. But they’re 15 of the best players in the world!
“Tell that to Everton or Newcastle. Virtually any other club in the country would swap their 23-man squad for 15 of City’s players.
“City go deep in every competition, and you do pick up injuries because the players are all internationals and none of them ever get a break.
“But come on, put it in perspective. He’s still got 15 world-class players to choose from, think about how fortunate you are.”
Everton have plummeted down the Premier League standings under Rafa Benitez in recent weeks. The Spaniard has faced an injury crisis of his own, with several key players missing.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the figurehead of the Toffees’ attack, but has not featured since August with a quadriceps injury. Benitez has also had to deal with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Yerry Mina, Andre Gomes, Richarlison and Fabian Delph missing at points.
Newcastle, meanwhile, sit bottom of the Premier League table without a win so far this season. They may not have suffered as many injuries this term, but would benefit from more quality in certain areas.
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