Pep Guardiola has taken the unusual step of giving his Manchester City players a day off just 24 hours before their Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund to keep them fresh.
Pep Guardiola has granted his Manchester City players a surprise day off, according to reports in the Daily Mail.
The decision, reportedly aimed at combating the immense physical and mental fatigue accumulated during the congested fixture schedule, provides the squad with a crucial opportunity to recharge ahead of a challenging period of domestic and European matches.
The Daily Mail reported that the manager decided the team needed time away from the training ground after an exhaustive sequence of games, noting that the players’ welfare was paramount to long-term success.
The break is a rare occurrence mid-season and underscores Guardiola’s proactive approach to managing burnout in his high-intensity squad.
Guardiola was quoted as emphasizing the need for full concentration and energy for the battles ahead. He reportedly told the squad:
“We cannot expect to be at our best if we are running on empty. A day away can give us the boost we need to sustain our level.”
This strategic rest period is set to conclude before the team resumes preparation for their next major fixture.
The move highlights the manager’s balancing act between the quest for silverware and the necessity of player welfare, a critical factor as the season approaches its midpoint.