Pep Guardiola Reportedly Advises Amorim to Drop One Man United Player for Sporting’s Europa League Clash
As anticipation builds for the Europa League semi-final between Sporting CP and Athletic Bilbao, an unexpected claim has emerged involving Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Sporting’s coach Ruben Amorim. While expressing admiration for Amorim’s rise in management, Guardiola was allegedly quoted warning him about a tactical flaw that could cost them against the Spanish side.
According to unverified reports, Guardiola supposedly suggested that if Sporting wants to reach the final, Amorim should leave one specific player out of his starting lineup. Surprisingly, the player in question wasn’t a struggling defender or goalkeeper, but Mason Mount — the former Chelsea star currently on loan at Sporting from Manchester United. Mount moved to Portugal in hopes of getting more game time and reviving his form in European competitions.
Despite showing moments of brilliance, Mount has occasionally struggled with the tactical discipline Amorim’s system demands — especially against high-pressing teams like Bilbao. Guardiola allegedly warned that Mount’s presence could leave Sporting exposed in midfield, an area that needs strong defensive awareness to withstand Bilbao’s energetic style.
This rumor gained traction when it was linked to similar advice Guardiola reportedly gave to Mikel Arteta, which helped Arsenal beat Real Madrid by selecting a more defensively reliable midfielder. This stirred debates around Mount’s readiness for high-pressure European games.
However, no reliable source has confirmed that Guardiola ever made these comments to Amorim. The story appears to be based on speculation without any solid evidence or official quotes.
In reality, Mount remains a valued player at Sporting. Despite early-season injuries, Amorim has shown faith in the English midfielder, rotating him strategically to ensure he’s fit for key European matches.
As the semi-final approaches, Amorim will face a tough call on his starting XI. While opinions differ on Mount’s inclusion, the claims about Guardiola’s supposed advice remain unsubstantiated. What’s clear is that all eyes will be on Amorim’s choices — and whether Mount plays a role in Sporting’s European ambitions.
