Pep Guardiola was tired at the end of last season. He had to squeeze every last bit of energy from his overworked Manchester City players, and even then the FA Cup final was one game too many.
He needed a rest, even if his players couldn't have one over the summer. So Guardiola went back to Barcelona, caught up with his old Barcelona B team for a heartwarming reunion, and of course played some golf. He spent time in the USA, taking in a Boston Celtics game courtside, getting the inside track on their play-off tactics from coach Joe Mazzulla.
"Of course, when you arrive end of season always you are tired," he reflected. "But when you fight for titles you are less tired. All of us, when you take a break in your job, disconnect and come back - it's necessary. To work better you have to disconnect and relax and do other things. When you are resting, you are working."
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Guardiola makes sure to give his City players time off when he can in the season. He has already calculated that the current campaign could last 12 months from the first day of pre-season to a possible Club World Cup final.
With that bigger picture firmly on his mind, Guardiola is prioritising rest for his Euros stars for the opening fixtures of the season. Even if it weakens his side in the process.
"We have to [be ready]. I don’t know what is going to happen. Everyone knows that we are not in the best conditions but it doesn’t matter," he sighed. "The desire and vibes of the team is strong and we are together doing what we have to do. I
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