I really like Ruben Amorim and I want Him to succeed in Europe,but if He must make it to the final then He will have to drop this guy against Bibao if not I don’t think they will make it,this was the same advice I gave Arsenal against Madrid and it work for them”, Pep Guardiola named the One Man United player that Amorim needs to bench against Ath bibao if He wants to win the Europa League – Not Maguire and not Onana THANK YOU GUARDIOLA FOR TELLING HIM THE TRUTH 🔥🔥
Guardiola’s Surprise Warning: Ruben Amorim Urged to Bench Mount Ahead of Europa League Clash with Bilbao
As the Europa League semi-finals approach, a surprising bit of advice has grabbed attention across Europe. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly shared his concerns about Sporting CP’s lineup, offering a surprising recommendation for Ruben Amorim: leave Mason Mount out of the starting XI if he wants to make it past Athletic Bilbao.
“I admire Ruben Amorim and genuinely want him to succeed on the European stage,” Guardiola allegedly said after a recent City match. “But to reach the final, he has to make a tough call — and that means dropping one specific player against Bilbao.”
What caught fans off guard, however, was the identity of the player in question. It wasn’t the often-criticized Harry Maguire or goalkeeper André Onana. Instead, Guardiola reportedly singled out Mason Mount — currently on loan at Sporting from Manchester United.
Mount in the Spotlight
Mount joined United from Chelsea for ÂŁ55 million, but after a mixed start and injury struggles, he was loaned to Sporting for more playing time and a chance to rediscover his form. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance in Portugal, Guardiola allegedly believes Mount’s style may not suit the intensity of Bilbao’s high-pressing approach.
“Bilbao plays with intensity, and in matches like these, you need players who are sharp without the ball and don’t crumble under pressure,” Guardiola is quoted as saying. “Mount is talented, but this game requires something different.”
He even referenced previous tactical advice he gave Arsenal ahead of their Champions League tie against Real Madrid — a suggestion he claims helped them succeed by leaving out a big-name midfielder for a more defensively stable option.
Mount’s Role Under Scrutiny
The debate surrounding Mount’s consistency in big games has resurfaced, with critics noting that he sometimes fades during demanding fixtures. Though Amorim has praised Mount’s energy and work ethic, questions remain about whether he fits the system when under constant pressure from aggressive opponents.
Bilbao’s attacking threats like Iñaki Williams and Oihan Sancet thrive on exposing midfield vulnerabilities. Guardiola’s message seems to warn against giving them that opportunity.
No Official Confirmation
Despite the buzz, there is no verifiable record that Guardiola made these statements publicly or privately. No credible source has confirmed the alleged advice, and it’s possible that the story is speculative or fan-generated rather than based on actual events.
Amorim’s Big Decision
Ruben Amorim, known for making bold tactical decisions, now faces a difficult choice. Will he stick with Mount or bring in a more defensively sound option like Hidemasa Morita or Daniel Bragança?
Regardless of the authenticity of Guardiola’s advice, the stakes are high. A spot in the Europa League final—and potentially Amorim’s reputation as Europe’s next elite coach—hangs in the balance.
Whatever choice he makes, all eyes will be on Sporting CP’s lineup when they take the field against Bilbao
