Why Erling Haaland is not in the Man City squad for Pep Guardiola's final game
The striker is among five regulars rested for the Aston Villa match, with John Stones and Bernardo Silva playing their final games for the club as Guardiola bids farewell to the Etihad.
Erling Haaland is not in the Manchester City squad for the final game of the Premier League season at home to Aston Villa, Pep Guardiola's last match in charge after 10 years.
The Norway striker is not the only regular missing. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly and Rodri have all been left out as well, with Guardiola making nine changes from the side that drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Why has Haaland been rested?
Haaland, O'Reilly, Guehi and Rodri are all heading to the World Cup this summer and have been given the final game off before a busy few weeks. With a second-place finish guaranteed, there is nothing on the line for City.
Who is playing?
John Stones and Bernardo Silva are both in the starting XI for their final games at the club, with both set to leave this summer. There is no natural striker in Guardiola's last team, with Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo the furthest forward.
What did Guardiola say about leaving?
Guardiola explained his decision to step down. "It's the time. It's not like going to sleep one day and the day after to say 'now is the time'. It's a process, I felt it for a while," he said.
He added: "The club needs a new manager, new energy, with these incredible players we have right now. And start to write a new chapter."
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "The past has been really good with us, but the future will be better without me. You have to have a special energy."
He confirmed the club has given him an ambassadorial role. "The club made me this incredible presence so I will always be around in some way or another at this club."
What about Aston Villa?
Villa need to avoid defeat to secure fourth place, although even if they drop to fifth, their Champions League spot is guaranteed after winning the Europa League.
Villa boss Unai Emery was full of praise for Guardiola. "It's my honour, my pleasure, because he's the best coach in the world," he said. "Clearly, he's a huge inspiration for other coaches. The only genius is him."
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Erling Haaland not playing against Aston Villa?
- Haaland has been rested ahead of the upcoming World Cup, as Manchester City have already secured second place and have nothing competitive on the line.
- Is this Pep Guardiola's last game as Manchester City manager?
- Yes, the match against Aston Villa marks Pep Guardiola's final game in charge of the club after a ten-year tenure.
- Why is Rodri missing from the Manchester City squad?
- According to reports from the Manchester Evening News, the Spanish midfielder is not fit enough to participate in the final fixture.