Manchester City are prepared to gift many of their star players extra time off as they prep for a more demanding season, the most they have probably ever faced.
Pep Guardiola loves to allow his players as many time off as possible, knowing full well the demanding schedule of games ahead and also the level of intensity that are expected of them at the Etihad.
Given this, as well as the fact that Guardiola’s side has the most players participating in the recently concluded European Championship (14), and Julian Alvarez involved with Argentina, City’s stars are being offered longer breaks than the typical three weeks before they return.
Much-needed rest for City stars at summer tournaments
Players like Nathan Ake, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Manu Akanji, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva who were eliminated in the quarter-finals or semifinals of the Euros are permitted to skip the entire preseason tour of the United States. As an alternative, they will be required to travel back to Manchester on August 5 in time for the Community Shield that evening.
There will be discussions at the City Football Academy in the next few days to determine whether to extend the time off for Rodri, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and John Stones, who already have three weeks off guaranteed.
City know they will have to be more careful than ever in controlling the fitness of their team because the Champions League tournament has grown, ensuring at least two extra games, and the Club World Cup has been redesigned, adding even more pressure to the players’ already taxed bodies.
The only senior players left from the Euros are expected to be Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol, who will depart for the preseason tour on Friday after Croatia was eliminated in the group stage.
The only other senior outfield players on the team might be Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, and Kalvin Phillips; with Oscar Bobb and James McAtee leading the youngsters filling out the squad.
City aim to kick on from last season
Having won four Premier League titles in a row , City will now be aiming to achieve a record-extending fifth consecutive title win. This time around though, that win will not come easy with a lot of consistency needed across all fronts. There is also the potential that key names like Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson could be on their way out of the club, meaning a need to bolster the squad as well.
