Pep Guardiola names Chelsea’s key advantage over Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal Chris Davie Chris Davie
Pep Guardiola has drawn attention to the significant advantage Chelsea’s expansive squad has provided them this season, especially compared to Manchester City. As things stand, Manchester City finds itself in an unfamiliar fifth position in the Premier League table. They are preparing for a crucial derby against Manchester United on Sunday but currently trail league leaders Liverpool by nine points. Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Fulham on Saturday has kept them ahead in the standings.
This season has been one of the toughest spells for Manchester City under Guardiola’s management. The team has managed only one win in their last 10 matches across all competitions, with seven of those games ending in defeats. Adding to their challenges, City has been deeply affected by the absence of Rodri, whose commanding influence in midfield has been a cornerstone of their success. Unfortunately, the Spanish star, who was part of Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 campaign, is expected to miss most of the season due to a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
In stark contrast, Chelsea has been flourishing under the leadership of manager Enzo Maresca. The team has won their last six matches across all competitions, demonstrating exceptional form and adaptability. A key factor in Chelsea’s success has been their ability to effectively manage their deep roster, particularly when juggling commitments in the Conference League. Maresca has utilized squad rotation masterfully, ensuring that players like Nicolas Jackson, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer remain in peak condition for crucial Premier League fixtures.
Guardiola has openly praised Chelsea’s strategy, even hinting that Manchester City might consider adopting a similar approach in the future. However, he also raised concerns about the toll the relentless football schedule takes on players. Citing Rodri’s injury as a prime example, Guardiola pointed out that the midfielder played an extraordinary 75 matches last season, including his commitments with Spain during their Euro triumph. Such a demanding workload left him with little time to recover fully before the current season.
Guardiola went on to criticize the intense schedule players are subjected to, arguing that it leaves no room for adequate rest and recovery. He proposed that athletes, especially those playing at the highest level, need longer off-seasons similar to those in the NBA. Without such changes, he warned, the frequency of injuries caused by physical and mental fatigue will only increase, further compromising the health and performance of top-tier footballers.
