In the lead-up to what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Europa League semi-finals in recent years, Pep Guardiola has added fuel to the fire with a striking and unexpected piece of advice for Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim. The Manchester City boss, known for his tactical insight and outspoken nature, has not held back in offering his thoughts on how Amorim should approach the clash against Athletic Bilbao.
Guardiola began his comments by praising Amorim’s managerial skills, calling him a rising star in European football. “I really like Ruben Amorim and I want him to succeed in Europe,” Guardiola said in a post-match interview following City’s latest Premier League fixture. However, the City boss quickly turned his admiration into a strong warning, suggesting that Amorim’s chances of progressing to the Europa League final may hinge on a difficult decision.
The advice was both bold and controversial: Guardiola insisted that Amorim needs to leave out one of his key players if he wants to overcome the challenge posed by Athletic Bilbao. According to Guardiola, the inclusion of this particular player could prove costly for Sporting, potentially sabotaging their hopes of making it to the final stage of the tournament. His words sparked an immediate reaction across the football world, with fans and pundits scrambling to guess who the unnamed liability might be.
Many assumed Guardiola might be referring to someone like Harry Maguire or André Onana — players who have received their fair share of criticism in recent times. However, in a dramatic twist, Guardiola revealed that the player Amorim must consider benching is none other than Mason Mount.
Mount, a talented midfielder who joined Sporting CP on loan from Manchester United, has been a regular feature in Amorim’s lineup. While his technical ability and work ethic are rarely questioned, Guardiola hinted that his presence on the pitch could be a tactical vulnerability against a high-pressing, physical side like Bilbao. The statement sent shockwaves through the footballing community, especially given Mount’s high-profile pedigree and experience at the top level.
Guardiola’s comment is likely to spark heated debate, both in the media and within Sporting’s fanbase. As the match draws nearer, all eyes will be on Ruben Amorim to see whether he takes Guardiola’s advice or decides to trust Mount in what could be the most crucial match of his coaching career thus far.
