Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola didn’t hold back his frustration when discussing the injuries his players have picked up while on international duty, particularly during friendlies. The manager’s anger has resurfaced after learning about a recent injury sustained by Kyle Walker while playing for England. However, this isn’t the first time Guardiola has been fuming over such issues.
Recalling last season, Guardiola admitted that he had “never been so angry” when John Stones picked up a groin injury during an England friendly against Belgium in March 2024. Stones had been an integral part of City’s lineup, starting the previous four league matches. However, his injury ruled him out of critical Premier League games against Arsenal and Aston Villa. Though Stones made a brief comeback for the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, a setback limited his contribution to just 11 minutes in the second leg.
Stones recently mentioned Guardiola’s fury over the incident, and the City boss is still clearly upset, not just about the injury itself but the lack of communication between national team managers and clubs.
“I was never so angry as that moment. Never ever before. I was so disappointed,” Guardiola admitted. “It was a friendly game, and we were preparing for the Champions League quarter-finals and pushing for the Premier League title. Two of our players returned injured from a friendly. I didn’t like it, at all.”
Guardiola went on to explain how the relationship between national team managers and clubs has changed over time. “Before, when I was a player, the national team manager would call the club. Now, no one talks. Maybe the physios exchange updates, but not the managers. In the early days with Gareth [Southgate], yes. Now? No.”
The City boss emphasized that while he understands the players’ desire to represent their countries and encourages them to do so, returning injured from a friendly match is unacceptable, especially when the club is fighting for major trophies. “If it’s a friendly game, you cannot come back injured when we’re playing the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The club works hard to get to these stages of the season. We’re well-paid here, the club pays us, not the national teams. Friendly games shouldn’t result in injuries.”
Walker’s recent injury, sustained after playing 90 minutes against Finland during the international break, has only added fuel to the fire. The defender is now expected to miss City’s upcoming Champions League clash with Sparta Prague, having already been sidelined for the Wolves match.
Guardiola’s message is clear: injuries in meaningless friendlies are not something he can tolerate, especially when City are aiming for top honors.
