Manchester city are engaged in a heated battle at the top of the table with leaders as Guardiola aims to win his second premier league title in his 3rd season at the club
Manchester city currently sit in the second spot with 46 points from 23 games. They trail the leaders Liverpool by 4 points. However, Man City are currently in the contention for 4 separate titles as they are involved in 4 different competitions, the Premier league, FA Cup, Champions league and Carabao cup. Liverpool, on the other hand have just the Premier league and Champions league to look forward to.
The depth of the Manchester city squad will be tested to the fullest as they will have to play 2-3 games per week on average. To add to their concerns, courtesy of them reaching the Carabao cup finals, their Premier league fixture against Everton has been preponed and will now be played on Feb 6. This comes between two crucial clashes as they play Arsenal on Feb 3 and Chelsea on Feb 10. And as expected, Pep Guardiola is certainly not happy with this schedule,
‘How can you have a day off when I prepare the schedule between Arsenal and Chelsea? I woke up today and we play Everton in between, so I cannot give them days off.’
Sometimes I tell the players it’s a privilege,’ he added. ‘If they believe it’s a handicap, they are making a big mistake.
‘When you are 35 years old you can have long, long holidays, no problem. You will be retired and after that take one year for holidays. But at the moment, it’s a privilege. Take it. Enjoy it.
‘Next one, win again. Whatever competition, it doesn’t matter. Friendly game, win again, play good, prepare well. That is the only way. Then you work for the next season. This is the only way if you have four competitions. You have games every three days. No rest, mentally and physically. We need them.
Author’s Take
Manchester city need to take it one game at a time right now. And moreover, Guardiola needs to rest his key players as and when possible so that they are fit for the really big ones.
