Joe Hart, Samir Nasri, Eliaquim Mangala, and Wilfried Bony all fell out of Guardiola favor for failing to meet his free-flowing system. His propensity to ship out big names has been apparent in his stint as Barcelona manager, when he sanctioned the exit of fan favorites Deco and Ronaldinho in 2008.
Hart, a fan favorite, opted to join Serie A club Torino on a season-long deal, guaranteeing him the playing time he needs to retain his place as England's first-choice goalkeeper. His inability to gracefully take on the "sweeper-keeper" role led Guardiola to sign Chile international Claudio Bravo from Barcelona.
Nasri, who reported to pre-season training overweight, was even described by Guardiola as a player "on another level," apparently in a bid to turn arounds the playmaker's controversial attitude. He eventually signed with La Liga side Sevilla on a year-long loan deal.
Mangala, who hasn't even figured at all in any of Guardiola's plans since his takeover as manager, went to La Liga to join Valencia on loan for a year. His inability to play the ball at his feet, coupled with poor distribution, led him to become surplus to City's requirements.
Bony, whose transfer from Swansea City cost City a whopping £28, was shipped out to fellow Premier League club Stoke City for a single loan season. His inability to please Guardiola with his lack of agility pressed for his exit.
With the exit of four of City's high-profile players, Guardiola has once again proved that compromising player standings isn't even a concern for him, for as long as he's able to implement his playing philosophy in the club he manages.
