City wanted to start the upcoming season later: 'Absolutely not allowed'

Manchester City, after winning the 2023 Champions League, secured their place in the inaugural edition of the expanded Club World Cup, set to take place in the summer of 2025.

The new format for the tournament, which has generated a significant amount of attention and debate, adds even more pressure to an already packed football calendar. Historically, summers without major international tournaments provide players with a much-needed break, but City, along with other European clubs like Chelsea, could now face up to seven additional matches during that period.

The timing of the Club World Cup has sparked concern among top clubs, particularly regarding player welfare and the need for adequate rest between seasons. The tournament's final, scheduled for July 13, leaves only a brief window of four to five weeks before the 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off. This compressed schedule offers little opportunity for City’s players to enjoy a meaningful offseason, which is typically essential for physical recovery and mental rejuvenation after the demands of a grueling season.

In light of this, Manchester City, led by manager Pep Guardiola, sought a delay to the start of their Premier League campaign. Guardiola confirmed that City requested to have their first two league fixtures postponed to allow the squad more time to rest after the Club World Cup. However, this request was firmly rejected by the Premier League, which has shown little flexibility in accommodating the club’s concerns.

Guardiola, known for his vocal defense of player welfare, expressed his frustration during a press conference. “Thank you very much,” he said, his tone laced with irony. “It’s absolutely not allowed for us to start the season one or two weeks later, so we can have some rest after the World Cup. Did the Premier League say yes to us? No, absolutely not.”

The Premier League’s refusal to reschedule matches has left Guardiola and his coaching staff in a challenging position. Balancing the demands of the Club World Cup and the Premier League season could prove difficult, especially given the physical toll the extended tournament could take on his players. Guardiola admitted that he doesn’t yet have a clear plan for managing the situation, acknowledging that City may have to make difficult decisions regarding player rotation and squad management.

“They don’t want to postpone the matches, so at some point, we’ll have to figure out what we’re going to do,” Guardiola stated. “I don’t have an answer for that right now.” The uncertainty underscores the dilemma facing top clubs, who are often asked to compete on multiple fronts with little respite.

In addition to the scheduling conflict, Guardiola also addressed a recent request from FIFA for clubs to field their strongest squads in the Club World Cup, further complicating the situation. “Who are my best players?” Guardiola asked, referring to the challenge of determining which players to prioritize for such a busy period. While City’s squad depth is one of the strongest in world football, Guardiola’s comments hint at the difficulty of managing player workloads when expectations are high on every front.

The expanded Club World Cup is a bold new venture by FIFA, designed to bring together the top clubs from around the world in a tournament-style format. While the idea of a global competition featuring elite teams has been met with excitement from some, it has also raised concerns about how it will fit into an already congested football calendar. With domestic leagues, European competitions, and international fixtures all competing for space, clubs like Manchester City are now faced with the challenge of managing an even more demanding schedule.

The potential clash between domestic and international commitments poses a significant issue for City, who will also be expected to defend their Premier League title and challenge for success in the UEFA Champions League. Guardiola’s frustration reflects a broader sentiment within elite football about the relentless nature of the modern football calendar and the physical demands placed on players. For top clubs, the balancing act between competing for trophies and maintaining player health has become increasingly complex.

As the Club World Cup approaches, City will need to devise a strategy to navigate the tournament while also preparing for the start of the new Premier League season. The squad's depth and Guardiola’s tactical ingenuity will undoubtedly be tested, as the manager seeks to protect his players from burnout while maintaining their competitive edge. The rejection of City’s request for a delayed start to the season only adds to the difficulty of this task, forcing Guardiola to find creative solutions to an unprecedented situation.

The situation highlights a growing tension in football, where the quest for global tournaments and commercial opportunities often conflicts with the need to ensure players have adequate rest and recovery. For Guardiola and City, this summer promises to be a test not only of their footballing abilities but also of their endurance and adaptability in the face of an ever-expanding fixture list.