Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has announced that the team will be utilizing their academy players in the upcoming demanding week due to a crowded schedule. The team is set to play a Champions League match against Inter Milan, followed by Premier League fixture against Arsenal and a League Cup match against Watford. Guardiola emphasized the need for the team to adapt to the season ahead, which is expected to consist of approximately 75 games.
Several Manchester City players, including Kevin De Bruyne, Manuel Akanji, and Bernardo Silva, have expressed concerns about the packed calendar this season, which includes an expanded Champions League format and the Club World Cup. Guardiola, however, stated that they have no choice but to play in the format set by UEFA. He acknowledged the challenges of the increased number of games but emphasized the team’s commitment to competing in various competitions.
The European club competitions have all been expanded to accommodate 36 teams this season, leading to concerns from FIFPRO’s European member unions who have started legal action against FIFA over the expanded men’s 32-team Club World Cup set to begin next June in the United States. Last season, English clubs faced the highest number of domestic back-to-back matches in comparison to other top European leagues, with Premier League clubs having the shortest recovery time between games at 67.3 hours on average.
Guardiola expressed his enthusiasm for playing in the Champions League despite the challenges posed by the busy schedule ahead. The team will need to rely on their Academy players to cope with the demands of multiple competitions. With the support of their young talents, Manchester City aims to navigate through the upcoming fixtures successfully and maintain their competitive edge in both domestic and international competitions.
As they gear up to face strong opponents such as Inter Milan and Arsenal, Manchester City is focused on finding the right balance between rotating their squad and ensuring a high level of performance in all competitions. Guardiola’s experience and strategic approach will be crucial in managing the team effectively during this challenging period. The players are committed to giving their best on the field and competing at the highest level, despite the extensive and demanding schedule they are facing in the coming weeks.
