Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has raised concerns about the fitness of his team ahead of their second leg match against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Despite facing Luton Town on Saturday, logic would suggest that City would rotate players. However, they are currently engaged in a fierce race for the Premier League title.
Rodri Hernandez, one of City’s key players, had expressed the need for rest in the coming weeks, despite the packed schedule.
Guardiola acknowledged the importance of Rodri’s contribution but stated that if a player does not want to play, they will not be forced to do so.
The manager also highlighted the need to give rest to the center-backs, but injuries to John Stones and Kyle Walker during England friendlies have prevented them from getting adequate rest.
Guardiola admitted that fatigue has been a concern in recent games, stating, “We have a very big problem. I have the feeling that we have been very tired in the last few games. Tomorrow, we will decide what we have to do.”
The return of Kyle Walker, Nathan Ake, Kevin De Bruyne, and Ederson to the side would provide some relief and allow
Guardiola to freshen things up. Before the first leg, there was speculation that Real Madrid would be better-rested as City had played two games in the nine days leading up to the match.
However, the statistics showed that City outran Real Madrid comfortably at the Santiago Bernabeu, refuting the idea that the Spanish team had the advantage of rest.
Real Madrid also has a match against Real Mallorca on Saturday, just a few hours after City’s game.
Guardiola will need to carefully manage his squad’s fitness and make strategic decisions to ensure they are in the best possible shape for the crucial second leg against Real Madrid.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
