Participation in Euro 2024 meant that 14 City stars powered through after a hectic domestic season that saw us victorious in the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup as well as making the quarter-finals of the Champions League and showpiece final in the FA Cup.
Guardiola was keen to ensure his players – especially those who made the latter stages in Germany like the English contingent of John Stones, Kyle Walker and Phil Foden as well as Spain’s tournament winner Rodri – had time to rest and recuperate ahead of the start of the 2024/25 campaign – and told media in his pre-match press conference that he would have loved to let them stay at home for even longer.
But with the season starting this weekend at Stamford Bridge, with City eyeing a fifth title in succession, the manager said there’s no option but for those fit and available to hit the ground running as we face former assistant Enzo Maresca’s Blues.
“We prioritise the rest, absolutely,” said the manager.
“I would love to give even more time, but it is what it is.
“I demand the best from Sunday against Chelsea. We know we have to take points as soon as possible and when the players are fitter and better physical condition, they have to be ready.
“I don’t know what will happen. Everyone knows we are not in the best conditions but it doesn’t matter, the desire and trying to do well and here control absolutely everything of luck.
“The vibes of the team is strong and all together doing what you have to do.
“I don’t think there are a lot of teams who right now are perfect. I am pretty sure I learned from my experience in many years that the season is so long.
“It is important that the players are ready mentally especially and for that they need rest.”
Guardiola’s men head to the capital for Sunday’s 16:30 (UK) kick-off without Oscar Bobb who will miss the trip after sustaining a long-term injury in training while Julian Alvarez has headed to pastures new at Atletico Madrid.
Despite these absences, the manager said he’s happy with the squad available to him at the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
But he said he had an open mind about dipping into the transfer window before it closes at the end of this month.
“Maybe or maybe not,” said the boss when asked if City were likely to sign more players.
“We will see. I am really pleased with the squad we have. I know the vibe is ‘we have to sign, we have to sign’ but we will see.
“I am really pleased with the squad and players I have. I am set.
“We will see what will happen in the market. We can continue until the end in that way or maybe we add some players.
“We will see. I cannot answer you right now.”
