Pep Guardiola has reportedly addressed his Manchester City players that “the season starts here” following the conclusion of the year’s last international break.
Since the start of the season, the Premier League has been halted for international matches three times: in September, October, and November.
Guardiola Warns The Season Is Just Getting Started
According to ESPN, Guardiola stated that the season truly begins now as City look to overtake Arsenal at the top of the standings. There won’t be another break for national team games until March.
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“Now we really start the season,” said Guardiola, who takes his team to Newcastle on Saturday.
“There are two parts of the season. When the transfer window is over in the summer and after the international breaks are over. Now, the international breaks are done. It will be until March, see each other every three days.
“Now the real season starts. It’s important to be there and arrive at the end of the season with the feeling we can fight.”
Newcastle have had a difficult start to the season, with City only lost just one of their previous 35 league matches against them.
Just three of Eddie Howe’s side’s 11 Premier League games have been victories as they attempt to juggle domestic duties with Champions League matches.
Rodri will not be playing for Guardiola at St. James’ Park as he continues to regain his full fitness.
“Rodri is making good steps, it’s almost three weeks since the last step back,” said the City manager.
“He knows that he has to take the time to recover mentally and especially physically with the problems that he’s had, to be consistent from now until the end.”
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