Pep Guardiola proposes drastic Man City solution to solve his biggest complaint

Pep Guardiola settled into his post-match analysis at Stamford Bridge with mixed sentiments following Manchester City' s first league victory of the season.

"Good news, first three points, bad news we have 70 games ahead of us," said the City boss. In a season that feels never-ending, it's only just begun and might stretch for almost 11 months non-stop.

With UEFA reshuffling their club competitions, City now faces an increased number of Champions League group stage matches, plus participation in FIFA's revamped Club World Cup in America set between June 15 to July 13 next summer. This expanded tournament, featuring 32 teams, threatens to pile on up to seven additional fixtures, potentially making a seamless transition from the end of the 2024/25 season straight into the next without a proper break.

The rigorous calendar is something that player associations are pushing back against, as concerns mount over the true motives behind the intricate schedule. Is UEFA and FIFA's decision-making truly about the footballing spectacle, or are the players' welfare being sidelined in favor of financial gain?

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Guardiola, known for his critical views on the congested football schedule, has echoed sentiments from last season, suggesting players need to take a stand. Rodri, having played an astonishing 63 times last season and 68 the year before, is among those calling for fewer games, reports the Manchester Evening News .

Teams with ambitions in Europe and additional commitments like the Club World Cup are exploring ways to juggle their heavy workloads. Guardiola has shown support for a proposal by Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti, who mentioned giving players breaks during the season to maintain their sharpness.

Guardiola concurred: "I agree and if Carlo said it maybe I have to pay attention and follow him," and contemplated the idea of giving overworked players a week off. "Maybe when a player plays a lot it's 'go one week at home and don't train and come back'."

He emphasized the importance of rejuvenation after triumphs, stating, "At least after winning what we won you need to refresh. If you are tired you cannot sustain. You have to have the desire to be here to have the desire to play football, for training sessions, to be in the locker room together.

"When that happens you can demand everything but without it you cannot because of season after season, games and games and games, Euros and World Cups. You arrive and the body and the mindset it's enough.

"When you have that feeling it's enough and you have that feeling go home and we play with the academy or other players. Otherwise, it is not positive."

City has a clear schedule ahead of their clashes with Ipswich Town and West Ham United, before the season's first international break. However, once European football kicks off in September, they could face a packed calendar with potentially only two free midweeks for the rest of the season if they progress in all competitions.