2026-04-27 09:09:37
Pep Guardiola is happy for his Manchester City players to travel around the world before their domestic treble bid reaches its final stages.
City booked their place in the FA Cup final with a 2-1 win over Southampton on Saturday (26.04.26) and the coach has urged his players to enjoy some downtime as there is a week before they next play at Everton on May 4.
Guardiola said: “They can do whatever they want. If they want to travel to wherever, they are completely free. As long as they arrive back on Wednesday (29.04.26) afternoon for training.
“I’ve learned in this country, as much [sic] days off [as you have], the team plays better.
“Managers believe as much [as] you train, you play better, but I’m completely the opposite. You have to train, of course, but you also have to arrive fresh in the moment of the game. I’ve learned that.
“In the beginning I trained a lot, but now it’s home and quality time.”
City have five Premier League matches – as well as next month’s cup final against Chelsea – remaining as they bid to repeat their 2019 feat of winning a domestic treble and Guardiola expects his squad to be pushed to the limit between now and the end of the season.
The Spanish manager said: “I need the squad, we need the squad. We need all of them.
“We cannot play this amount of games – every three days, every three days – with the same players. It will not be possible.
“We have to manage good substitutions and everyone has to make a step forward. Of course I demand more from some of them – I want more and more and more – but this is what you have to do.”
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