You just have to find a way to include him into the starting squad.you can’t lose his talent now when people that are starting instead of him are inconsistent. Either you remove someone for him or you change your formation to accommodate him” – This is according to John Obi Mikel as he urges Pep Guardiola to “find a solution” that ensures the £45m City star gets more game time.

In the heart of Manchester, tensions were rising within the City camp. John Obi Mikel, the seasoned midfielder, stood in front of Pep Guardiola’s office, his words carrying weight and concern.

“You just have to find a way to include him into the starting squad,” Mikel said firmly. “You can’t lose his talent now when people that are starting instead of him are inconsistent. Either you remove someone for him or you change your formation to accommodate him.”

Pep’s furrowed brow reflected the difficulty of the situation. There was no denying the fact that the £45 million star, a player brimming with potential, had been relegated to the sidelines too often. A signing that was supposed to bring a fresh dynamic to the squad had instead been left on the bench, watching as others struggled to find consistency.

Guardiola’s decision had been tactical, of course. But Mikel’s words struck a chord with him. The inconsistency of some of the regular starters had begun to erode the team’s rhythm, while the player in question had shown flashes of brilliance whenever he got a chance. Perhaps it was time to re-evaluate.

“I understand your concern,” Guardiola said after a long pause, his mind already turning over the possibilities. “But the balance, Mikel, it’s tricky. I cannot sacrifice the flow of the team just for one player.”

Mikel nodded. He understood. The philosophy at City was built on fluid movement, precision, and harmony. Every player had to be part of a system that worked as one. Yet, the raw talent of the young star was undeniable. A change was needed.

“Then change the system,” Mikel suggested, a fire in his eyes. “We’ve got the depth. If this player has that spark, find a way to ignite it. If you don’t, you’re wasting potential. And wasting talent isn’t something this club can afford, especially when titles are at stake.”

Guardiola sat in silence for a moment, contemplating the proposition. He knew Mikel was right. The competition for places was fierce, but when a player had the potential to change the game, it demanded attention.

The following week, a new formation emerged in training. Guardiola, always the tactical genius, found a way to blend the brilliance of his star with the structure of the team. It wasn’t easy, but when the final whistle blew at the next match, there was a noticeable difference. The team flowed with renewed energy, and the £45 million player, now part of the starting lineup, had the freedom to express his creativity on the field.

Mikel watched from the sidelines, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. Guardiola had listened. The solution had been found.

Manchester City was a squad built on precision, but sometimes, just sometimes, a little chaos was the spark they needed.