Erling Haaland is not included in the Manchester City squad for the final Premier League match of the season at home to Aston Villa. This fixture not only marks the end of the campaign but also represents Pep Guardiola's last game in charge after a decade at the club.
Multiple Key Players Rested
Haaland is not the only regular absent from the squad. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly, and Rodri are also missing. Guardiola has made nine changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Bournemouth on Tuesday, a result that confirmed Arsenal as Premier League champions.
John Stones and Bernardo Silva start in what will be their final appearances for the club, as both are set to leave this summer. Guardiola's starting lineup does not include a natural striker, with Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo playing furthest forward.
No Injury Concerns for Haaland
There are no apparent fitness issues behind Haaland's omission. However, the Manchester Evening News reports that Rodri is not fit enough to play. Haaland, O'Reilly, Guehi, and Rodri are all expected to participate in the World Cup this summer and have been given the final game off to prepare for a busy schedule.
With Manchester City already guaranteed second place, there is nothing at stake for Guardiola's final match. Aston Villa need to avoid defeat to secure fourth place, though a fifth-place finish would still guarantee Champions League qualification.
Guardiola Explains His Departure
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola explained his decision to leave: "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. The club respects me and my decision. The club has to be ready. This job involves Selhurst Park, Anfield, Madrid, FA Cup – now I have to live my life and see what happens. The club needs a new manager, new energy, with these incredible players we have right now, and start to write a new chapter."
He added on Sky Sports: "Now is the time. Once we announced it, maybe we think 'oh maybe I was wrong,' but no, this is the time. The past has been really good with us, but the future will be better without me. You have to have a special energy. The club made me this incredible presence (ambassador), so I will always be around in some way at this club."
Emery's Tribute
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery expressed his honour at facing Guardiola in his final game: "It's my honour, my pleasure, because he's the best coach in the world. Clearly, he's a huge inspiration for other coaches. The only genius is him."
