- Less variation in recent Man City line-ups
- Unrest caused by Pep Guardiola
- Manager could make changes against Southampton
Pep Guardiola has revealed that some members of his squad are not best pleased with their playing time, but he has a good reason for his decision-making.
Manchester City have arrived at the business end of the season, with plenty still to play for in the Premier League and FA Cup.
As a result, Pep Guardiola has been fielding his strongest teams. Most recently, he only made one change to his starting line-up against Burnley and that was only because Rodri was unavailable.
This strategy has worked well, considering City have won five successive matches in all competitions. However, it also comes with some disadvantages.
Man City have some unhappy players
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Man City’s FA Cup semi-final tie, Guardiola spoke about how not all his players are satisfied with their respective roles at the club.
Still, the manager believes this is the way it has to be, as he needs his star men on the pitch for the most important matches.
“They can be so sad, as long as they train good, good relationship with mates, and the organisation on and off the pitch that pays their salaries and takes care of them incredibly – more than fine,” Guardiola said.
I wouldn’t like it if they’re happy. But as much as they train good, focused, respect what City means, it’s fine.
“It’s good. Players [who] don’t play much aren’t happy; in the last games, long weeks, I rotate less because in the last five, six games we conceded one goal.”
Explaining his decisions regarding who starts each game, he added: “With the Arsenal game and the rest, we’ve been quite good.
“Always I try to involve everyone but when I arrive in the last part of the season, always I try to – when I’m pretty sure in the last four or five games the team, the vibe is good – rotate less and make less changes.”
Guardiola could make changes against Southampton
Man City have a very important match this evening, but the FA Cup is not as high a priority as the Premier League.
Additionally, Southampton are competing in the Championship and although they have done well to reach the semi-finals, City ought to get the win without needing a full strength team.
Therefore, Guardiola has hinted that changes will be made for this fixture, as he needs to save his best players for the Premier League.
“But now I have to think because people were tired and come from [spending] energy, a little drained, and physios say, ‘Be careful with that player, that player for historical and potential injury’,” Guardiola said.
“If one player is injured now, it’s gone, it’s over. And now I want to have players available for Everton, until the end.”
Man City’s squad players have not let Guardiola down
Much of Man City’s successful Carabao Cup campaign was the result of fringe players who pushed their team towards victory when given the chance.
Similarly, there have been players featuring in the FA Cup who have barely appeared in the league, yet are steering the Citizens in the direction of another success.
It is for this reason that Guardiola should have no doubt in the players who could be starting later on at Wembley.
They may not be overly satisfied right now, but every player will give all they can to secure Man City a spot in the FA Cup final on May 16.
