Speaking at Tuesday’s press-conference, in the build-up to the return of the Premier League, Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola voiced concern for his players’ physical condition ahead of a hectic schedule his side must endure in the coming weeks.
City will welcome Arsenal and former coach, Mikel Arteta to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night in what will be their first game in over three months.
Herculean Effort Required
This week marks the beginning of a stacked fixture list for many clubs and Guardiola is weary of the fitness and match sharpness of his squad as they embark on a rigorous run of games:
“The way we are right now, I think other clubs and teams [as well], we don't know. If you ask me how the team is, I don't know. Tomorrow we will see the level of the team and from there we will see what we can do better. “
“It’s not like Germany or Spain. What is important is the health of people. But in the end, the Premier League decided that we have to play. We are going to play and we will adapt as quickly as possible.”
Last-season's title winners have 10 league matches to contest before the end of July on top of an FA Cup run that could venture beyond their quarter-final tie with Newcastle on the 28th of June:
“We are ready to play one game, but three days after another and four days after another. We are not ready. We have to rotate and use all the players. The players are in naturally good physical condition.”
Arteta Meeting Could Lead to Catch-up
Ahead of this game there is no denying the underlying subplot of master Vs apprentice with Mikel Arteta returning to the Etihad to take on the manager he worked under for three-years at Man City. Arteta joined City’s coaching team in 2016, and shortly after became assistant manager to Guardiola at the club before being appointed head coach at Arsenal in December.
Pep shared his delight at the opportunity to square off against his compatriot and even hinted at a get-together post-match, with an accompanying beverage if COVID-19 restrictions grant their request:
“I’m so excited to see him, one of the nicest people I ever met,” the Blues boss said. “It was a joy for me and for all of us to work with him.
“The feeling I have is he’s happy there and doing an incredible job. I’m looking forward to seeing him.
“He knows absolutely everything of us, he was an incredibly important part of our success, he helped us to be who we were and who we are. We are delighted he will come back, especially if he is happy there. We sent a message an hour and a half ago. It was about the wine we are going to drink after the game if social distance allows!”
