Pep Guardiola and Juanma Lillo will have a rare chance to play Matheus Nunes for Manchester City
Pep Guardiola will use the international break to continue his recovery from back surgery in Barcelona, but he will keep a close watch on how his players perform for their respective countries.
The majority of the squad will be away from the Etihad for the upcoming week, as the Blues are endowed with an abundance of exceptional talent. They depart with a perfect record in the Premier League after a 5-1 victory over Fulham.
Prior to Guardiola’s return to the sidelines, there will undoubtedly be additional preparations. Here are three things he may wish to contemplate in the coming days.
Rare chance for Nunes
Perhaps initially Guardiola and interim manager Juanma Lillo will focus on the remaining players. Matheus Nunes was not selected for Portugal, so City will have the rare opportunity to assist a new summer signing settle in both professionally and personally.
The swiftness of Nunes’ transfer will provide the midfielder with additional time to process his new circumstances. Several academy players will be given the chance to garner the lion’s share of the senior coaching staff’s attention and attempt to make an impression as well.
Control of load
Having high-quality athletes on the roster increases the likelihood that they will play prominent roles for their national teams. City was able to improve its depth in the final weeks of the summer, but Guardiola’s roster is by no means extensive.
John Stones, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish are all injured to varying degrees, and City’s squad is only a couple more injuries away from being depleted. They have the quality to withstand it, but a significant player turnover in the summer makes the equilibrium more susceptible to disruption.\
Fringe performer display
Kalvin Phillips has been selected for England despite his only minutes this season coming in a late cameo against Fulham, while Rico Lewis has played 79 minutes for England Under-21s.
Guardiola and Lillo will evaluate their performance after lengthy absences from in-game action if they surpass their club minute totals for their respective national teams this week. If City are to come close to replicating last season’s tremendous success, even their rotation players must be on point.
Pep Guardiola and Juanma Lillo will have a rare chance to play Matheus Nunes for Manchester City