Pep Guardiola
Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez has claimed that he was surprised by how much Pep Guardiola rotates his team for matches. Alvarez is in the midst of his first full season at City since his move from River Plate on deadline day last year. So far, the Argentine World Cup winner has made 26 appearances for the Blues, scoring nine goals in that period. Guardiola’s rotation policy has meant that although he is not City’s first choice striker at present, he has still featured on a regular basis for his club. When asked about the way the Catalan coach manages his team, Alvarez admitted that he was shocked by how much Guardiola changes things. Speaking to GQ magazine at Adidas’ launch of the Speedportal boots,
Julian Alvarez explained: “Before I came here, I knew the way Pep works, but even I was surprised at how much rotation there is. Pep almost never picks the same 11 in consecutive games – you make sure you’re always alert and at 100 per cent so that when your time comes, you know you’re ready to perform, and you’re at the disposal of the manager. After the World Cup, I had a few days to celebrate and spend time with my family and friends. As soon as it was time to come back to the club, I changed my focus. In terms of what I want to achieve this season, I want to be at 100 per cent and play as many games as possible, helping in any way I can. Collectively, we want to win every competition that we’re in.”
City return to action on Sunday when they travel to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. Guardiola’s men sit second in the division, five points behind leaders Arsenal.
