DBasia.news – Pep Guardiola has to face the same situation as his colleague, Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. It is the potency of star players’ absence during the opening match of Premier League on August.
Similar to Man United, most of Manchester City key players are playing in the 2018 World Cup. Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, Ederson, David Silva, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling, Kyle Walker, and Stones are still in additional holiday time.
The nine players are not joining the Man City squad who are currently having the pre-season tour in the US. They will at least return a week before the Premier League.
Guardiola understands this situation. Moreover, Man City just got Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City. The Spain manager has no choice.
“It is what it is. We spoke – they have to come back ready. If the days before they are tired and they don’t want to fight for the Community Shield, play at Arsenal, then stay on holidays,” said Guardiola.
“We cannot forget what we’ve done, but we start again. If they are ready they’ll help us and if not, we’ll wait for them. If they are not mentally and physically ready, they won’t come back,” he told Telegraph.
Man City will start the 2018/2019 season in the Community Shield versus Chelsea on August 5th, before playing in the first week of Premier League versus Arsenal, August 12th.