Following public criticism of one of his most seasoned players’ performances and capacity for learning, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been given the go-ahead to sever ties with him.
The summer may see a number of players leave City. According to transfer journalist Dean Jones, center-back Aymeric Laporte is “likely” to go since he’s tired of not being in the starting lineup. Although they will have difficulty acquiring Laporte before Barcelona, Tottenham is interested.
The midfielders Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva may follow Laporte out of the Etihad. When the current campaign ends, Gundogan will be a free agent, and Barca is keeping an eye on him as well. Paris Saint-Germain is currently considering signing Silva.
But it now appears that Kyle Walker may also be fired by Guardiola this summer. After moving to City from Spurs in 2017, the right-back has consistently delivered excellent results. He has appeared in 238 games and assisted City in winning four Premier League championships, one FA Cup, and four League Cups.
Walker won’t necessarily start now that Guardiola is in charge, though. With Manuel Akanji playing as the right center-back, the manager has switched from a back four to a back three. Walker is unable to participate because John Stones has begun to occupy the space right in front of Akanji in a central defensive midfield position.
Guardiola was questioned about Walker’s ability to play in the new Stones role before City’s match against Southampton on Saturday night. No, he can’t do it, he answered. Kyle, who is 60 years old, will always be the fastest player in this group because of his pace.
He lacks some of the qualities needed to play inside, such as intelligent movements. In the past, he has played with four defenders at the back as a full-back coming inside. He did pretty well, but he can’t make the shape with the three at the rear and the two in the middle.
Walker can rejoin the team by being himself, said Guardiola in response to the question. Train well… The explanation is tactical. It’s not that we stopped believing in Kyle.
Grave fear regarding Kyle Walker’s future
Tony Cascarino, a talkSPORT analyst, is concerned about the future of the Englishman in Manchester. Walker might leave City as a result of Guardiola’s “scathing” criticism of Walker, according to him.
It’s a brief statement, but it’s devastating, remarked Cascarino.
“Guardiola admitted that the 32-year-old is unable to adhere to tactical directives that are given to him. It is scathing—John Stones is doing it and he can’t.
He is a senior pro, despite the fact that saying that sounds like a lovely way to express it. He’s had great success at Man City, but his manager claims he can’t be trusted to follow directions. He’s talking to him like he’s a teenager!”
According to the former Chelsea player, “I think that line has guaranteed that he won’t play any part [next season].”
I’d be shocked because you’re mentioning a senior professional who has accomplished a lot, and you buried him in one line.
Walker has done a lot for City, so it would be unfair if they sold him this summer. But it’s obvious that he’s likely nearing the end of his time at the Etihad.
When his contract with City expires in June 2024, the 32-year-old might end up leaving the team. Although it is unknown if Sheffield United could meet his wage demands, he has been clear about his desire to rejoin his old team.