Pep Guardiola says he plans to use Club World Cup to let Man City players recover | OneFootball

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he plans to let his players unwind at the summer’s Club World Cup.

After a grueling Premier League campaign which has seen his side suffer significant injury problems, City will also have to take part in the brand new Club World Cup in the USA this summer.

The City boss has been outspoken about the number of football games players are having to play and the impact that is having on the increase in injuries, claiming it will “only get worse” as long as the schedule is as hectic as it is.

And with that in mind, Guardiola says the Club World Cup will not be a continuation of the intensity of the Premier League season.

“They told me the golf courses are really nice,” he joked when asked how difficult it will be to play in the Club World Cup after the season they have had.

Asked if he is going to play golf, he continued: “If my back allows it, absolutely.

“I drive the ball really well. I have a problem with the putt but I practise.

“We are going to try to enjoy that experience. After 11 months, I don’t think about bringing the players there, 24 hours in the room thinking about the next game.

“We are going to train but I will let them free. Of course they have to behave well otherwise they will be in trouble but they have to have fun and play the games as best as possible for this new experience.”

City have had many of their key players ruled out for long periods this season and asked about whether he thinks those issues could continue, Guardiola said: “We spoke a lot about it lately. It will be even worse.

“The body, I said many times, has a limit. When you have one week, you have more time to recover, you are more fresh mentally and everything.

“I’m not a doctor but at the moment I have the feeling that the body is saying it’s enough.”