Pep Guardiola has emphasized that Chelsea’s deep squad has given them a notable advantage over Manchester City this season.
At present, City sits fifth in the Premier League standings, preparing for a derby against Manchester United on Sunday. They are nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, who drew 2-2 with Fulham on Saturday.
City is currently facing one of their toughest stretches under Guardiola’s tenure, with just one win in their last 10 matches across all competitions.
During this period, they have suffered seven losses, struggling to regain form. A key factor in their difficulties has been the absence of Rodri, whose presence in midfield has been sorely missed.
The Spanish Euro 2024 champion is expected to be sidelined for a large portion of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
In contrast, Chelsea is in strong form under the leadership of manager Enzo Maresca. The team has won their last six matches across all competitions, thriving on the strength of their squad depth.
Chelsea’s success has been driven by their ability to rotate players efficiently, ensuring freshness and consistency even as they juggle commitments in multiple competitions, including the Conference League.
Maresca’s strategic rotations have allowed important players like Nicolas Jackson, Moisés Caicedo, and Cole Palmer to stay fresh and perform well in Premier League matches.
Guardiola has acknowledged Chelsea’s effective use of squad depth, suggesting that Manchester City should take a similar approach moving forward.
However, he also pointed out the physical toll of the demanding football calendar. Referring to Rodri’s injury as a case in point, Guardiola noted that his midfielder played 75 matches last season, including a victorious Euro campaign with Spain, leaving him with little recovery time.
The Manchester City manager stressed that the modern football calendar is too congested, offering little opportunity for players to rest properly.
He proposed that players like Rodri, who endure such intense schedules, need longer breaks during the off-season, similar to the extended rest periods seen in the NBA. Without such changes, Guardiola warned, players will continue to suffer injuries from fatigue, impacting their long-term performance and the overall quality of the game.
In conclusion, Guardiola’s comments underscore the growing need for a more balanced schedule in football, one that prioritizes player recovery to maintain high levels of performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s successful use of squad depth serves as a model for other teams to follow, particularly in a season that demands more from players than ever before.
