Pep Guardiola will be missing five key players from Manchester City’s lineup for the Community Shield as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Rodri, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, and John Stones were offered the option to sit out the Community Shield after their extended season, which only Julian Alvarez matched. All four European Championship finalists accepted Guardiola’s offer and will rejoin the team in Manchester next week after the match against United.
This means Guardiola will be without some of his top performers as City aim to break their losing streak in the traditional season opener. However, the club is focusing on the long-term demands of what could be one of the most challenging seasons yet.
“We try to give them the best rest possible, as much as we can. We wish we could offer them more time, but we have already given them a lot,” Guardiola commented.
