Former Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes the way manager Pep Guardiola manages his players’ workload is helping his Manchester City team perform at their best at key stages of the season.
City won their remaining eight Premier League games and 19 of their 23, taking an unprecedented fourth straight title. If they defeat Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday, they will become the first English team to win the double title for the second year in a row.
“he [Guardiola] It’s completely different,” Fabregas said on the Planet Premier League podcast.
“He knows that 80%, 90% of his team will be in the Copa America, the Euros or the World Cup. They reached the Champions League final last year and finished the final exhausted. That’s why he gives the team time.”
“Training is [sessions] It’s not super hard. It’s like there are no heights or lows. They’re trying to maintain this consistency throughout the season.
“They’re experienced, they’ve played a lot of games, and that’s what you need to get through the season. Remember, they have [Kevin] Even if De Bruyne is there for six or seven months, they still need to compete and still win games. ”
Fabregas played under Guardiola at Barcelona for the first time in his senior management role in 2008 and recalled a conversation he had with his team-mates when he realized his approach would set him apart.
Fabregas added: “Pep was the first to be appointed at Barcelona but I remember Xavi and him.” [Carlos] Puyol spoke at our table and said, “Oh my god, I talked to Pep.” He asked for 3-4 weeks of vacation. He wants to do this and that, so he’s only given us two weeks. ”
“In his first year at Barcelona as a young manager he was completely different and I’m sure his understanding of what the players are going through and his own understanding of what he wants his team to be at their best at what time of the season has developed over the years.”
“He learned how to do it the right way and is now a master at it.”
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
