Manchester City are halfway through the international break and the players are giving Pep Guardiola what he needs.
City are enjoying a productive international break
How must Pep Guardiola feel when he learned Erling Haaland withdrew from the Norwegian squad without kicking a ball?
Haaland was unable to get rid of a groin problem from Manchester City's win over Burnley, the situation worsened and tests confirmed he could not play for Norway against Spain and Scotland this week. His father, Alfie, has confirmed that Haaland has gone to Man City's partner hospital in Barcelona for further tests.
Guardiola's final message to his players was simple:
Don't hurt yourself and take care of yourself. It looks like Haaland has picked up an injury but nonetheless it was a nightmare start to Guardiola's international break. Since then, things have improved.
If Haaland's injury threatens to affect international matches from City's point of view, it has been, by far, an exception indeed. The side players had some useful minutes, the regulars performed well, and everyone seemed relatively happy.
Four of City's five English players featured in the win over Italy, including Kalvin Phillips, who rarely played 90 minutes - only the second of the season. Phillips needs a few minutes no matter what, so getting the nod in such a big game will do wonders for his confidence. In his last seven games for club and country, he has made five appearances and played more minutes than the rest of the season combined, out of a total of 27 possible appearances before that ( plus 17 more when injured).
All of Guardiola's centre-backs have started for their national teams, including Aymeric Laporte, who has struggled to find a starting place for City, especially in the most important games. . Likewise, Riyad Mahrez hasn't done much to lose his place in recent times so, from his point of view, it's very good for him to score a goal for Algeria in good form. useful.
Guardiola wants his players back to be fit, if not stronger, than they were before, so the break could benefit those who don't play much. Sergio Gomez started for Spain U21, but in a more familiar left-wing role. It's hard to see him move Jack Grealish there for City, although any game time is useful for a player who may be needed during run-in.
Others, like Ederson and Kevin De Bruyne, have earned credit from their national teams. Ederson was chosen ahead of Alisson, while De Bruyne was named as Belgium's new permanent captain. Julian Alvarez and his Argentine teammates received an emotional welcome in their first match since winning the World Cup. Ilkay Gundogan was one of the only players not selected to play internationally, as Germany looked to rebuild and try younger faces. For the Man City captain, spending quality time at home after the birth of his new baby is far more important than football.
Haaland's injury is the only negative in a productive week so far. As City begin preparations to face Liverpool on Saturday, Guardiola is hoping for good news about Haaland and how the continuation of the holiday has gone so far.
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