WEMBLEY STADIUM — The cameras caught it all: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, arms waving, face flushed with intensity, leaning into Tijjani Reijnders with a message that would echo across football. “I told Reijnders I wanted to kill him,” Guardiola admitted after his side’s 2-1 FA Cup semi-final victory over Southampton on April 25, 2026. The Dutch midfielder, who had just been substituted in the 86th minute, bore the brunt of Guardiola’s frustration in a moment that revealed far more than just a coach’s temper.

The Wembley Exchange That Shocked Fans

Reijnders, a £46 million summer signing from AC Milan, had been one of eight changes Guardiola made to his starting XI following a midweek Premier League win over Burnley. The 27-year-old Dutch international, who had impressed early in his Manchester City career, found himself on the bench for the majority of 2026, limited to appearances in cup competitions. His inclusion against Southampton was a rare opportunity — one he may have wished he’d taken with both hands.

Guardiola’s post-match explanation laid bare the stakes. “It’s been a long time without playing,” the City manager said, echoing Reijnders’ own words. “He knows what he has to do. Energy can help, but it’s not everything.” The subtext was clear: Reijnders’ lack of game time had become a point of contention, and his performance — or lack thereof — in the FA Cup semi-final had pushed Guardiola to his limit.

The moment that sparked Guardiola’s outburst came in the 86th minute, just moments before Nico Gonzalez’s dramatic winner sealed City’s sixth consecutive win in all competitions. Reijnders, who had been on the pitch for just over an hour, was withdrawn for captain Bernardo Silva. As he trudged toward the touchline, Guardiola’s frustration boiled over. Cameras captured the manager’s animated gestures, his lips moving rapidly as he delivered what appeared to be a scathing critique. “I said I wanted to kill him,” Guardiola later confirmed, though he was quick to clarify the context. “Not literally, of course. But I was angry. He knows why.”

Reijnders’ Rollercoaster Season at Manchester City

When Reijnders arrived at the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2025, the expectations were sky-high. Guardiola had hailed him as a “special player” after his two-goal performance in a 3-0 friendly win over Palermo, praising his ability to arrive in the box and support the attack. “He can play as a holding midfielder, but he loves to arrive to the box to help our strikers like Erling [Haaland] and [Omar] Marmoush,” Guardiola said at the time. “Really pleased.”

Reijnders’ early form suggested he could fill a void left by City’s creative struggles in the 2024-25 season, when the team became overly reliant on Erling Haaland’s goals. His ability to drive forward from midfield and contribute in the final third was exactly what Guardiola had been seeking. Yet, as the 2025-26 season progressed, Reijnders found himself increasingly marginalized, his minutes dwindling to appearances in the FA Cup and League Cup.

His struggles for playing time have not gone unnoticed. Reports in Dutch media, including Voetbalzone, have suggested that a return to Italy could be on the table for Reijnders, with AC Milan reportedly monitoring his situation. Manchester City’s recent financial maneuvers — including the reported sale of Nathan Aké and Reijnders for a combined £94 million — have only fueled speculation about the midfielder’s future.

Guardiola’s “Knuffel” and the Duality of His Leadership

Guardiola’s relationship with Reijnders is a study in contrasts. Just days after the Wembley outburst, the City manager was spotted giving Reijnders a warm embrace — a “knuffel,” as it’s known in Dutch — following a training session. The gesture, captured by photographers, sent a clear message: Guardiola’s frustration was not personal, but rather a reflection of his relentless standards.

“Pep is like that,” said a source close to the club, speaking on condition of anonymity. “He demands perfection, and when he doesn’t see it, he lets you grasp. But he also knows how to lift you up when you need it. That’s why players love him, even when he’s tough on them.”

The duality of Guardiola’s leadership is well-documented. His ability to push players to their limits whereas maintaining their trust has been a hallmark of his managerial career. For Reijnders, the challenge now is to respond to Guardiola’s criticism in the way the manager demands: with improved performances and a renewed commitment to the team’s style of play.

What’s Next for Reijnders?

Manchester City’s pursuit of a domestic treble — Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup — is entering its final stages. With the FA Cup final looming and the Premier League title race against Arsenal still undecided, Guardiola’s squad will need every player at their best. Reijnders’ role in the coming weeks remains uncertain, but his talent is not in question.

“He’s experienced,” Guardiola said of Reijnders in August 2025. “He’s 27. He played at Milan, in Italy, and with Holland, so he knows.” The question now is whether Reijnders can translate that experience into consistent performances for City — or whether his future lies elsewhere.

For now, Reijnders has a chance to redeem himself. City’s next Premier League match is against Liverpool on May 2, 2026, with the title race hanging in the balance. If Guardiola opts to include him in the squad, Reijnders will have an opportunity to show that he can still be the “special player” the manager once praised.

Key Takeaways

• Guardiola’s Outburst: Pep Guardiola admitted to telling Tijjani Reijnders “I wanted to kill him” after the midfielder’s substitution in City’s FA Cup semi-final win over Southampton.
• Reijnders’ Struggles: The Dutch midfielder, a £46 million summer signing from AC Milan, has seen his playing time limited to cup competitions in 2026.
• Guardiola’s Duality: Despite his frustration, Guardiola later embraced Reijnders, highlighting his ability to balance criticism with support.
• Future Uncertainty: Reports suggest Reijnders could return to Italy, with AC Milan monitoring his situation.
• Title Race Implications: City’s pursuit of a domestic treble could hinge on squad depth, giving Reijnders a chance to prove his worth.

What to Watch Next

Manchester City’s next match is a crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool on May 2, 2026, at Anfield. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM BST (11:00 AM ET). With the title race still undecided, every point matters — and every player, including Reijnders, will be under scrutiny.

For updates on Reijnders’ situation and Manchester City’s title bid, follow Manchester City’s official website and Archysport’s Premier League coverage.

What do you think of Guardiola’s handling of Reijnders? Should the midfielder push for a move this summer, or fight for his place at City? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.