Despite the 2025/2026 season still being in its infancy, Manchester City fans could be in a sour mood after witnessing their side lose two out of their first three games already.
Pep Guardiola would have been stunned to see his City side fail to bounce back from their 2-0 loss against Tottenham as they were beaten 2-1 by Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
Furthermore, Manchester City’s decision not to sign a right-back and Stefan Ortega’s continued stay at the Etihad Stadium despite them having Gianluigi Donnarumma, James Trafford and Marcus Bettinelli on their books are decisions off the pitch that must frustrate the supporters.
After Manchester City’s official website announced the Sky Blues’ Champions League squad, the fans could not understand why they have named four goalkeepers in their roster.
Man City fans confused about four goalkeepers being named in their Champions League squad
One Manchester City fan claimed the decision shows how poor their recruitment has become over the years: “Donnarumma, Trafford, Ortega, Bettinelli all registered. That’s four goalkeepers registered for the competition. This really shows how bad our recruitment has been.”
A second City supporter joked: “We’ve got perfect depth if UEFA ever implement a rule where two goalkeepers can be in net at the same time.”
Despite Bettinelli earning praise from Hugo Viana, a third Manchester City fan urged the club to terminate his contract after witnessing him being named among the four goalkeepers in their Champions League squad: “Why did they register all four ‘keepers, terminate Bettinelli’s contract.”
A fourth fan was upset with the decision as well, as he wrote: “Four goalkeepers is diabolical.”
Another Sky Blues supporter added: “Tell me why the hell do we need four goalkeepers.”
Finally, a sixth Manchester City fan questioned Pep Guardiola for including four goalkeepers in the squad: “Four goalkeepers have been registered. Slots that should have gone to a proper RB [right-back] and a solid CB [centre-back]. Pep is no longer a serious manager.”
Manchester City are set to face Napoli to kick off their Champions League campaign and they would be hoping to win resoundingly and instil the belief in the fans that they can go all the way.
Stefan Ortega could still leave Man City
However, it goes without saying that four goalkeepers being named in City’s squad for Europe’s elite competition is rather unusual.
But with Guardiola winning the Champions League three times in his career, it’s safe to say that he knows what he is doing.
Trabzonspor have explored a deal to sign Ortega, who is considering whether he should leave the Etihad Stadium.
If the German ends up leaving, the Sky Blues will have a berth available for an outfield player to take up.
