Pep Guardiola handed his Man City squad a three-day break earlier this week
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Pep Guardiola wants his players to be fresh for the title run-in (Martin Rickett/PA)open image in gallery
Pep Guardiola wants his players to be fresh for the title run-in (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)
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Manchester City players have returned to training, refreshed after manager Pep Guardiola granted them a three-day break amid a demanding schedule and an intensifying Premier League title race.
The team is currently on a five-match winning streak across all competitions as they prepare for Saturday's trip to Leeds United, aiming to close the five-point gap on leaders Arsenal, who have played one more game.
Guardiola explained his decision to offer a mid-season respite, stating: "It's not to go to Maldives. Since September-October we've had long weeks.
“I've learned in this country, less is more. And we can train less because the schedule allowed us. You have to clean the minds and legs to come back better."
Adding to the squad's renewed vigour, winger Jeremy Doku, with three goals and 11 assists this season, has also rejoined training following a calf injury.
Jeremy Doku has returned to trainingopen image in gallery
Jeremy Doku has returned to training (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Their upcoming opponents, Leeds, currently 15th in the table, have demonstrated resilience, holding top-five sides Chelsea and Aston Villa to draws in their last two league outings.
The Yorkshire club also pushed City hard in November, threatening a 2-2 draw before Phil Foden scored an added-time winner for Guardiola's side.
When questioned about the pressure of a title race, a scenario he has navigated to six Premier League triumphs since 2017-18, Guardiola remarked: "I don't remember. I'm not here to give advice to Mikel (Arteta)," referring to his former assistant coach, whose Arsenal side have secured second-place finishes in the last three seasons.