It is clear that the increased schedule has affected Manchester City’s season | OneFootball

One of the unknowns heading into the 24/25 season was what effect the increased schedule would have on Manchester City. With the increased schedule coming off the back of a busy summer of internationals, it was clear that Manchester City’s squad could be affected by fatigue and injuries. That is how it has played out as Pep Guardiola’s side has had to navigate their way through a plethora of injuries so far this season.

Speaking ahead of today’s Manchester derby Pep Guardiola believes the increased schedule has majorly impacted his team this season. He explained: “But now, for the problems that we have in this schedule, crazy ones, so… So why is Rodri injured? He played 75 games last season! When we finished and I was on holiday, he was at the Euros to win the Euros with Spain, and injured with Spain and came back. And one game, two games. Do you know being fresh you get an ACL (injury)? No. I promise. Strong as Rodri, but he came back tired, not on the top, but I needed him against Inter, I needed him against Arsenal, not being at the top. And you are not strong enough, and unfortunately it happened.

“The reason why? The schedule. Give him one month and a half, two months holiday, give to Rodri, two months holiday after the Euros, like in the NBA, three months they have, four months they have, tell him, and he would be perfect, and after he can play 80 games if you want.”

Despite the heavy schedule and the toll it has taken on Manchester City’s squad, they must push on.

Pep Guardiola raises a valid point. The increased workload on his players has had a detrimental effect on his team. Injuries and fatigue have decimated Pep Guardiola’s squad. That is clear to see. But it can’t be used as an excuse for City’s recent poor run. The world champions just have to get on with it and try and lift themselves out of their recent poor form. That starts today against Manchester United at the Etihad.

The hope is that the Manchester City hierarchy, including Pep Guardiola have learned the lessons from this season. They must enter next season with a bigger squad so Guardiola can rotate his players. Gone are the days of small squads being able to cover every game. Football’s increased schedule has has seen to that. It is clear to see that the increased schedule has affected Manchester City’s squad. But it’s now just another obstacle they have to overcome.