The pressure is mounting on football authorities to address the grueling fixture schedule, and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes the players need to take the lead. Just days after his midfielder, Rodri, hinted at a potential strike over the increased workload, Guardiola echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the need for players to be at the heart of any change.
Speaking ahead of City’s crucial clash against Arsenal on Sunday, Guardiola highlighted the strain on players amidst a demanding stretch of seven games in just three weeks. He pointed out that player fatigue is a global concern, stating, “It is not just Rodri (speaking out), it is many, many players, and not just in this country, but around the world people are starting to talk, so we will see.”
While Guardiola remains hopeful for a positive resolution, he emphasizes the importance of player unity in driving the necessary changes. “If something is going to change, it must come from the players,” he stressed. “The business can be without managers, without sporting directors, without media, without owners, but without the players — cannot be played.”
Guardiola also provided an update on the fitness of his captain, Kevin De Bruyne, who limped off during their Champions League draw against Inter Milan. He stated that De Bruyne is feeling slightly better and will be assessed after training on Saturday.
Sunday’s showdown between City and Arsenal promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams are unbeaten in the league and enter the game on the back of midweek draws in the Champions League. City currently leads the league with a perfect record after four games, but Guardiola acknowledges Arsenal’s growing strength and depth.
“Every season they (Arsenal) get stronger, the depth of the squad. Even season is even better and better,” Guardiola said. He also paid tribute to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, describing him as a talented manager with a strong team. “I’ve always had a high opinion of him and his team,” he said.
Despite the significance of the clash, Guardiola insists that it is too early to view it as a title decider. “It’ll be important when we go to London in the second half of the season,” he said. City will travel to Arsenal again on February 1 for another high-stakes encounter.
