Pep Guardiola has pointed out that Chelsea’s deep squad has given them a distinct advantage over Manchester City this season.
While City prepares for the Manchester derby against United on Sunday, they find themselves in fifth place in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Liverpool.
Liverpool managed to extend their lead after a 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday.
This season has been one of the toughest periods for Guardiola at Manchester City.
The team has managed just one win in their last 10 matches across all competitions, suffering seven defeats during this stretch.
Adding to their woes is the absence of their key midfielder, Rodri.
The Spanish international, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, is sidelined with a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Rodri’s commanding presence in midfield is expected to be missed for most of the season, further compounding City’s challenges.
In contrast, Chelsea is enjoying an impressive run under manager Enzo Maresca.
The Blues have won their last six matches across all competitions and are thriving due to their ability to effectively manage their squad depth.
Chelsea’s strong rotation strategy has been crucial in balancing their domestic and European commitments, particularly in the Conference League.
Maresca’s approach has allowed vital players like Nicolas Jackson, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer to stay fresh for Premier League matches, contributing to their success.
Guardiola has praised Chelsea’s squad management and suggested that Manchester City should adopt a similar strategy next season.
However, he also raised concerns about the impact of an unrelenting football schedule on players.
Using Rodri’s injury as an example, Guardiola highlighted the immense workload top players face.
He revealed that Rodri played 75 matches last season, including a triumphant Euro campaign, leaving him with minimal recovery time.
Reflecting on the issue, Guardiola criticized the congested football calendar, arguing that players are not given adequate time to rest and recover.
He proposed that athletes need longer breaks, similar to the extended off-seasons seen in the NBA, to maintain peak performance and reduce the risk of injuries.
Without such changes, Guardiola warned that top players will continue to suffer from fatigue-induced injuries, impacting their performance and longevity.
Ultimately, Guardiola’s comments underline the growing challenge of balancing squad depth and player welfare in modern football.
While Chelsea seems to have found a way to navigate this issue successfully, City’s struggles highlight the toll an intense schedule can take on even the most elite teams and athletes.
