Defending English champions Man City will open their doors to welcome Arsenal as the Premier League season resumes on Wednesday.
The Citizens are currently second on the league table and it’s more or less certain that Liverpool are set to be crowned the champions. But if Guardiola’s men fail to beat Arsenal in midweek then Liverpool will have the chance to wrap up the season next weekend in the Merseyside Derby.
And speaking to the media, Pep Guardiola has admitted that his players even though full fit, might take a bit of time to shake off that rustiness which could be just the opportunity that Arsenal need to pick up all three points at the Etihad.
Guardiola said in his press conference: “They came back really well. No complaints. The way we are right now I think other clubs and teams, we don’t know.
“If you ask me how the team is, I don’t know. Tomorrow we will see the level. From there, we are going to see and suggest what we can do better.
“What we were worried about over the three weeks is the lack of preparation, not like in Germany or Spain where they worked five or six weeks. All PL teams have three. We know it is not enough but it is what it is.
“Everyone has to adapt – show owners, restaurants. The players are training good but I don’t know the physical condition.
“I think we are ready to play one game but three days after another one, and four days after another? We are not ready. That’s why you have to rotate and use all the players.”
Will Man City struggle to acclimatize vs Arsenal?
Both these teams will be coming out of prolonged breaks so the outcome of the match might totally depend on which side is the quickest to adapt to the new surroundings.
The Gunners might very well be better conditioned mentally since Mikel Arteta knows every in and out of Guardiola’s strategy but Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers in world football which is why he will surely have a trick up his sleeve.
Also, City have almost lost the Premier League crown and might not even play in the Champions League next season meaning their Spanish manager could use the rest of the league matches as preparation for the next season.
And in doing so, the Man City players could play with a sense of comfort and calm which, in turn, might be the undoing of Arsenal.
