Manchester City will need their entire squad to perform this season to challenge on multiple fronts. That is a given based on how much football the world champions are likely to play this season. But even though squad rotation will aid City’s cause this season performance will always come first for Pep Guardiola.
Speaking before Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League clash with Inter Milan Pep Guardiola explained his selection philosophy. He told the media that while he will rotate his squad he expects all of his players to be at their best when they take to the pitch. Guardiola explained: “I want to rotate, but they have to prove when I rotate that they are ready to play. When they don’t perform well, I’m going to rotate less. Because the business here is winning the next game, not because I give presents for this player or the other one. I want everybody involved because it’s the best way to avoid injuries, to be fresh mentally and physically, but they have to perform.”
The pressure to perform is a key ingredient to Manchester City’s success. It keeps City’s players playing at their peak in a bid to maintain their position in the Manchester City starting eleven. Given the strength of the world champions squad there is always pressure from the players who miss out on selection that drives Pep Guardiola’s squad. That has already been on display this season.
The performances of Rico Lewis so far this season at right-back in theory will force Kyle Walker to raise his game to take his position. The same can be said of the form of Mateo Kovacic this season. The Croatian international has raised his game and it’s up to City’s other midfielders to raise their level this season. That is the reward for Manchester City for having such a strong squad. The drive to win and perform fuels City’s squad. Squad rotation will be a key part of City’s arsenal this campaign. But it won’t trump performance as the key indicator for selection for Pep Guardiola.
Squad rotation will play a part in Pep Guardiola’s plans this season. The season is too long for it not to. But as Guardiola told the media today performance will always trump the need to rotate the Manchester City squad. That is a key component of what keeps the champions playing at such a high level.
