“I Like Ruben Amorim, But If He Must Beat Bilbao, He Needs To Bench This Manchester United Star – Pep Guardiola Issues Bold Warning Ahead of Europa League Clash”
In the build-up to one of the most highly anticipated Europa League semi-final clashes in recent memory, Pep Guardiola has stirred the pot with a bold and surprising warning for Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim. While expressing his admiration for the young Portuguese tactician, the Manchester City manager made headlines by pointing out a potential tactical flaw that could cost Sporting dearly if not addressed swiftly.
“I really like Ruben Amorim and I want him to succeed in Europe,” Guardiola stated during a post-match interview after City’s recent Premier League game. “But if he must make it to the final, then he will have to drop this guy against Bilbao. If not, I don’t think they’ll make it.”
The quote, which immediately set football forums ablaze, was quickly followed by another explosive revelation — Guardiola revealed the identity of the player Amorim must bench. And in a shocking twist, it’s not Harry Maguire. It’s not André Onana. The name that Guardiola dropped is none other than Mason Mount.
Yes, you read that right. Mount, the £55 million summer signing from Chelsea who joined Manchester United with much fanfare, is currently on loan at Sporting CP in a move that was meant to revive his form and offer him regular European football. While he’s shown glimpses of quality under Amorim, Guardiola believes Mount’s presence in the starting XI against an aggressive, high-pressing side like Athletic Bilbao could be more of a liability than an asset.
“This was the same advice I gave Arsenal against Madrid, and it worked for them,” Guardiola said, referring to his behind-the-scenes chat with Mikel Arteta, when the Gunners eliminated Los Blancos by benching a high-profile midfielder in favor of a more defensively robust option. “Against Bilbao, you need players who are tactically disciplined, aware off the ball, and not easily overwhelmed by intense pressing. Mason is a fantastic player, but he’s not the right one for this battle.”
Guardiola’s comments have reignited debates about Mount’s overall consistency and impact in high-stakes matches. While some Sporting fans have grown to appreciate his work rate and creativity, others argue that he has not fully adapted to Amorim’s tactical system, often drifting out of games or failing to provide defensive coverage in midfield transitions.
Amorim, known for his tactical intelligence and no-nonsense approach, now faces a significant dilemma. Dropping a player of Mount’s profile this late in the tournament could rattle the squad, but ignoring Guardiola’s advice — especially when it helped Arsenal navigate a similar challenge — could prove costly.
Athletic Bilbao are no pushovers. With Iñaki Williams and Oihan Sancet leading the line, the Basque side thrives on disrupting possession-heavy teams and punishing any midfield indecision. The last thing Sporting needs is a soft underbelly in the middle of the park, and that’s exactly what Guardiola is warning about.
As the first leg looms, all eyes will be on Amorim’s starting XI. Will he take Guardiola’s advice and bench Mount in favor of a more defensive-minded player like Hidemasa Morita or Daniel Bragança? Or will he stick to his guns and trust Mount to deliver on the European stage?
Whatever the decision, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A spot in the Europa League final is on the line — and perhaps, Amorim’s growing reputation as one of Europe’s top young managers.
One thing’s for certain: Guardiola has spoken, and the football world will be watching closely to see whether Amorim listens.