Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola was speaking after Southampton were defeated 2-1 in the FA Cup semi-finals
Pep Guardiola encourages Tijjani Reijnders during Manchester City's victory over Southampton(Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Pep Guardiola admitted he has learnt to give players plenty of rest in order to get the best out of them since joining Manchester City in 2016. The Blues have endured a brutal week of three crucial fixtures in their pursuit of a domestic Treble.
All three ended in victories with City beating Arsenal and Burnley in the Premier League before coming from a goal down to defeat Southampton 2-1 in the FA Cup semi-finals. After the win at Wembley, Guardiola admitted he had to change his approach to managing players' workloads in order to get the best out of them in a demanding schedule.
"I learn in this country, after a day off, the team play better," he said. "They have to train, of course, but they have to arrive fresh and I have learnt that. When I first arrived, we trained a lot, now home and quality time.
"Plenty of quality of time and then they are ready." When asked if he can switch off from the demands of battling in both the FA Cup and Premier League, Guardiola said: "Sure [I can switch off].
"We have eight days until we go to Liverpool to face Everton so I have time. The players can do whatever they want [on their days off]. If they want to travel to wherever, they are completely free. So long as they arrive Wednesday afternoon for training, it is fine."
City will return to Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 16 for the FA Cup final, where they will play Chelsea after the Blues beat Leeds United on Sunday in the second last four tie.