Following the Copa America and European Championships that took place this summer the clubs were always going to pay a price at the beginning of next season. Manchester City aren’t immune to this issue. Based on the amount of City stars who are currently resting after their summer exertions it could be a slow start to the 24/25 season for Pep Guardiola’s side. That is the price the world champions have to pay for having so many players involved in both competitions this summer.
A report from Jack Gaughan for the Daily Mail indicates that Pep Guardiola has allowed Rodri, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden to decide when they will begin pre-season training. Manchester City are currently touring the United States without 13 key players. The City players need time to rest as burnout and fatigue become issues for Pep Guardiola to consider amongst his squad.
In an interview published in the Daily Mail Pep Guardiola spoke of the issues faced by his squad. He said if UEFA, FIFA and the Premier League won’t help the players the club managers will. Guardiola said: “If the big bosses at all the institutions like FIFA, UEFA and the Premier League don’t think about the players, then the managers have to think about them. Otherwise, they will die. It’s too much. That’s why three weeks or one month is necessary, but the competition is there and you have to adapt.”
The clubs were always going to pay the price for such a busy summer of international tournaments. That’s the way of the game now with so many games and competitions played throughout the calendar year. Manchester City are no different and it will likely shape the start of City’s 24/25 season.
