Manchester City experienced a setback as they failed to secure victory in the FA Cup final. However, manager Pep Guardiola has chosen to focus on the positives as the club now has clarity on their summer schedule. This marks the first time in five years that City will not participate in the season’s curtain-raiser, a situation Guardiola seems to view as a potential advantage.
Pep Guardiola said: “After the game, if we win, ask me that question. We will never know for sure now. Crystal Palace will face Liverpool instead and perhaps the bigger prize for City will be an extra week off before starting the 2025/26 season. There will now be at least a month between the Club World Cup final, of which City hope to be part of, and the start of the new Premier League season.”
Guardiola continued: “It is what it is. Chelsea will have the same problem, I think. Maybe here we start a little bit earlier. That will change the schedule. We’ll see after the final exactly the days we had. We knew it from the beginning that the next season, the pre-season, would be a short time. Hopefully we have fit players. If we have fit players we can rotate and we can handle it.”
He added: “I’d like to give weeks off but we cannot give it to them. During the season we’ve tried to give as many days off as possible. To be honest, we need rest that we cannot give them. The players need to disconnect mentally and physically but the schedule is the schedule.”
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the FA Cup, Guardiola is optimistic about the extended rest period his players will receive before the new season. This break is seen as crucial for the team, especially given the demanding schedule they have faced. Guardiola’s comments reflect a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the challenges while emphasizing the importance of player fitness and mental well-being.
As Manchester City looks ahead to the 2025/26 season, the focus will be on ensuring players are well-rested and ready to compete at the highest level. The extended break before the Premier League season begins could provide the necessary respite for the squad, allowing them to recharge and prepare for the challenges ahead.
