Manchester City fans were left stunned on Saturday afternoon when the team sheet for the Wolves match was released. Two of the club’s biggest stars, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, were not in the starting XI. At the same time, growing fears about Pep Guardiola’s future at the club added even more tension around the Etihad Stadium.
The Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers was already important for City after a difficult run of results. But the absence of Haaland and Foden immediately became the main talking point, especially after both players had started City’s recent 3-1 Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt.
Haaland played the full 90 minutes in that loss in the Arctic Circle, while Foden was taken off after 70 minutes for Omar Marmoush. Guardiola later explained that Foden had suffered a hand fracture after an awkward fall, saying: “He maintains, a little bit, broken his bones, but he has protection – and is fine.”
Despite that reassurance, both players were left on the bench against Wolves. Guardiola made six changes in total, with January signing Marc Guehi making his first start since arriving from Crystal Palace earlier this month. Guehi was joined in the starting XI by Matheus Nunes, captain Bernardo Silva, Omar Marmoush, Antoine Semenyo, and others as City reshuffled their side.
Alongside Haaland and Foden, Rico Lewis, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Max Alleyne were also named among the substitutes. The changes raised eyebrows, particularly given City’s recent struggles and the need for a strong response.
Speaking to Sky Sports before kick-off, Guardiola explained his decision regarding Haaland in calm and measured terms. “I decide for now it is a lot of games, clean his mind, his body. And yeah, the selection is always good and I believe today’s is the best,” the City manager said.
Not everyone was convinced. Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison admitted he understood Foden’s omission but was surprised by Haaland being benched. “Maybe not surprised to see Foden dropped, but I’m definitely surprised about Haaland,” Morrison said.
He went on to defend the Norwegian striker despite his recent dip in form. “I don’t care if he has scored one goal in eight games, he’s the best striker in the Premier League and I know when you are creating chances he will put the ball in the back of the net,” Morrison explained.
Morrison also dismissed the idea that Haaland might be distracted by upcoming European fixtures. “I’m not saying he has one eye on Galatasaray, because this is a massive game and they need to respond and they need a win,” he added, before noting that Haaland remained an option from the bench if things did not go to plan.
Foden’s situation has been closely watched since he was substituted at half-time during last weekend’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford. The midfielder fractured his hand after an awkward fall, but Guardiola had previously insisted the injury was not serious.
Haaland, meanwhile, was declared fully fit ahead of the midweek Champions League match. Guardiola revealed earlier in the week: “He said to me he slept unbelievably, so he is fit.” Yet fitness alone was not enough to secure him a starting place against Wolves.
Guardiola also addressed questions about whether the Premier League’s top scorer for the 2025/26 season could regain his sharpness after scoring just once in his last eight appearances. “It depends on his mind, and his fire, it will dictate it. As much as he’s not injured, he can play,” Guardiola said honestly.
While the focus on the pitch was intense, serious concerns were also growing behind the scenes at Manchester City. Club insiders are reportedly more worried about Guardiola potentially leaving than the outcome of the long-running legal case involving 115 Premier League charges.
City strongly deny all alleged breaches, but the legal battle has dragged on for three years. Although the hearing concluded in December 2024, a final verdict has yet to be announced. Possible punishments range from heavy fines to points deductions if the club is found guilty.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, reports suggest uncertainty over Guardiola’s future is causing greater anxiety at the Etihad. According to The Telegraph, players in the dressing room are aware that contingency plans are being prepared in case the manager decides to leave at the end of the season.
Guardiola’s current contract runs until the summer of 2027, but he has repeatedly said he will reflect on his future during this year. By the 2026/27 campaign, he will have been in charge for a decade, having already won six Premier League titles and every major trophy available.
This season, however, has not gone smoothly. City have failed to win recent league games and suffered a heavy Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt. Speaking after that loss, Guardiola admitted bluntly that “everything was going wrong.”
Despite the noise, reports indicate Guardiola’s behaviour at the training ground has not changed. He remains focused, committed, and determined to guide City back to the top of English and European football.
Speculation intensified earlier this week when former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys made a bold claim on beIN Sport. “I think it’s nailed on that he’s gone at the end of the season,” Keys said after City’s defeat to Manchester United.
Keys even suggested Guardiola could leave immediately. “Do not rule out him leaving this week. This week. If he goes this week, Enzo Maresca will be in charge of the match against Wolves,” he claimed, adding that the situation was “on his mind.”
Despite those claims, Guardiola was still in the dugout against Wolves and appeared far more positive when speaking ahead of the game. “One week ago we were at Newcastle and won 2-0 and you look in the Champions League how strong they are,” he said.
“I have an extraordinary team and we are all together. I don’t have any doubts about that,” Guardiola continued, offering reassurance to supporters during a tense period.
He also praised Arsenal, saying: “Arsenal are the best team in the world. They are the best team right now and hopefully we can be close, getting better, and they can give us one chance to catch them.”
For Manchester City, the benching of Haaland, the absence of Foden, and the questions surrounding Guardiola all point to a club going through a rare moment of uncertainty. How they respond on the pitch and behind the scenes may define their entire season.
Stay Connected With Volta Fame!
Love keeping up with the latest news, updates, and fan conversations? Don’t miss out — join our growing community and be part of the action!
WhatsApp Channel
X
Facebook Page
