City Prioritize Fresh Legs: Stars Get Extended Break Before Grueling Season
Manchester City are taking a strategic approach to pre-season, prioritizing player freshness for a demanding campaign ahead. Pep Guardiola, known for his high-intensity style, understands the toll it takes on his players. With a record-breaking 14 players at the Euros (plus Julian Alvarez in the Copa America), City are offering extended breaks beyond the standard three weeks.
Phased Return Based on Euros Performance:
Players who exited early (Nathan Ake, Kevin De Bruyne, etc.) will miss the entire US tour altogether, returning for the Community Shield. Even players like Rodri and Phil Foden, who reached the Euros final, might be offered additional time off.
Tough Schedule Demands Smart Management:
The upcoming season promises to be brutal. An expanded Champions League guarantees extra matches, and a revamped Club World Cup tacked onto the season’s end further intensifies the workload. City are proactively managing their squad’s fitness to avoid burnout.
A Young US Tour Squad:
Expect a youthful City contingent on the US tour. Only Kovacic and Gvardiol (Croatia’s Euros group stage exit) from the Euros contingent seem likely to participate. Stars like Haaland, Grealish, and Phillips might be joined by academy prospects like Bobb and McAtee.
Guardiola’s Balancing Act:
Guardiola faces a delicate balancing act. He wants a refreshed squad come the competitive season, but also needs them to gel tactically. The upcoming weeks will see City officials determine the optimal return dates for their star players, ensuring they’re both rested and ready to hit the ground running when the season kicks off.
