Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has opened up about his unique philosophy of giving players extended rest periods, believing it to be a key weapon in their pursuit of a potential treble this season.
City enter the decisive stage of the campaign still in contention for three major trophies, having reached the FA Cup final after a win over Southampton. However, before returning to action, Guardiola granted his players several days off—a decision that has sparked debate but reflects his long-standing beliefs.
“Go anywhere in the world” – Guardiola
In a surprising message, Guardiola allowed his stars to travel anywhere in the world during their break, as long as they return in time for training.
“We have eight days before we play Everton. They can do whatever they want. If they want to travel anywhere in the world, they are completely free, as long as they return for training on Wednesday afternoon,” Guardiola said.
The coach emphasized that mental and physical recovery is crucial, especially during a demanding run of fixtures.
A philosophy different from other coaches
Guardiola explained that his approach has evolved during his time in England, contrasting with many managers who believe constant training is the key to success.
“Many coaches believe the more you train, the better you become. I am the opposite. You must train, but more importantly, you must arrive on match day fresh,” he added.
He believes well-rested players perform at a higher level compared to those overloaded with daily training sessions.
Busy schedule ahead
After the break, Manchester City face a demanding run of six matches in 21 days, including Premier League fixtures and an FA Cup final against Chelsea FC.
Additional games against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are still awaiting final scheduling, further increasing pressure on the squad.
Guardiola has stressed that success will depend on full squad rotation rather than relying on a small group of players.
“I need every player. We cannot play every three days with the same players. Everyone must contribute,” he said.
