Pep Guardiola has warned Manchester City youngsters that they are unlikely to get many opportunities to play under him next season after reiterating his belief that the English system fails to adequately prepare academy players for the pressures of first team football.

Guardiola has been heralded as a champion of youth, but chances have been few and far between for City’s young players under the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach this season, and the manager has warned that the situation may not be much different next term.

Kelechi Iheanacho has made just five starts in the Premier League this season amid doubts about the 20-year-old striker’s future, midfielder Aleix Garcia one league start and centre half Tosin Adarabioyo just one start in the Champions League.

Full back Pablo Maffeo – who is 19, like Garcia and Adarabioyo - made three appearances in the League Cup and Champions League before being sent to Girona on loan in January.

City’s Abu Dhabi owners have invested millions in their academy set-up in the hope of creating a steady stream of talent for the first team.