Pep Guardiola has reopened the debate over whether Premier League clubs should field "B" teams in lower divisions.

The Manchester City manager does not feel his club's youngsters are exposed to a competition of high enough intensity.

His solution, to allow clubs to have a second team lower down the football pyramid as happens in other European countries, sparked controversy when suggested by former Football Association chairman Greg Dyke in 2014.

It was debated but ruled out by both the Premier League and Football League.

Guardiola thinks it should be reconsidered because he doubts the quality of Premier League 2, the under-23 competition fulfilling the role of the old reserve team league.

Pep Guardiola has called for England's top clubs to field B teams instead of U23 sides. Getty

He said: "I'm not here to change absolutely anything but I think the second league for the young players is not good enough.

"The consistency is not physically strong. They compete in these second teams but it is not a good league.

"In Spain the second teams in Barcelona and Madrid play in front of 40 or 45,000 people in Barcelona, Madrid. Here they play with no spectators.

"It's not strong enough. That's why it's so difficult for the English people sometimes at big clubs like City. That for me is the real problem.

"I love to work with the young people because of their passion; their intensity is higher, they want to build their own career. It's much easier but I have to see when they are able to do that.

"I think it's a real problem for English football, if you accept my opinion. I think the quality of the young players is there and if you have the quality, you can play wherever but [you need] to feel the pressure.

"Why cannot we create Man City or Man Utd second team and not play in the Championship against Newcastle? Playing in front of these huge [crowds]. That is the future of English football.''