A year ago
Pep Guardiola has made it clear that no player is untouchable as City approach a historic treble.
Pep Guardiola insists he is not afraid to drop key players for tactical, physical or mental reasons as Manchester City pursue a historic treble. The Catalan boss has a star squad which, in turn, requires tough decisions among the elite players at his disposal.
City host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon as they want to end their campaign at home in high form.
Away trips to Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford in the Premier League, Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup final and Istanbul's Ataturk Stadium in the Champions League final with the treble within reach. Managing people is a key element to such an achievement, and it's even more of a challenge when a manager has as much talent as Guardiola.
Sir Alex Ferguson - the only coach to lead an English club to the treble - is a master of the craft.
Pep Guardiola has mastered managing people at Man City.
Pep Guardiola has mastered managing people at Man City. (Image:
Getty)
But Guardiola has made it clear that his players respect the team's choice, no one believes they have the right to start every game of the season. And he added that competition within his ranks is key to maintaining Citizens' untouchable performance levels.
Guardiola says:
“At the start of the season, I went to my sporting director and said: 'Have you signed any players, or is there a player that has a clause to play 100 percent in all competitions? match? "
“He said to me, 'No'. So not a single player we've signed can sit down with the manager and say, 'I have to play'.
Man City is approaching a treble.
Man City is approaching a treble. (Image:
Getty)
"They have to accept my decision. Everyone accepts it. It is difficult for the players to accept that maybe they are losing their form or making a tactical decision.
"They have to know that the season is very long and everyone has a chance. They have to be ready and fight against their teammates."
Guardiola has turned around with the decision to rest elite members like Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez throughout the current campaign.
But his people management skills are a somewhat underrated trait among his tactical genius. This season has helped them shine brightly.
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