Sarri under no illusions about the size of his task ahead
(to them) because it is not easy to play with such a short time (to prepare).
“We worked just four or five days thinking about the final. We prepared for the final.
“We knew a little bit from Napoli last season what Maurizio could do.
“We would like to be more intense in the pressing, but it was impossible because the players were absolutely exhausted.
“Of course, winning 2-0, it was easier. In general, we made a good, good performance.
“I didn’t expect that level in that period after a short, short training session, like from Fernandinho, Sergio — most of them.
“I appreciate the players who came back earlier, like Bernardo (Silva), like Vinny (Kompany).
“It’s a minor title, everybody is going for the Premier League, the FA Cup or the Champions League. But to play for this title you have to win the Premier League or the FA up so to play this competition is not easy.
“We are still far away from the physical condition we want to play. In most cases still we are far, far away. The players are in bad, bad condition and hopefully this week we have seven days and the next week seven days more where we can increase our level.”
Guardiola heaped praise on man-of-the-match Aguero after his match-winning brace and Silva for a “masterpiece” of a performance that ensures he is the first name on the team sheet against Arsenal.
While City tweak ahead of their Premier League opener, Sarri has major work to do.
Just three weeks into the job, the Italian is left facing an uphill battle to prepare and shape his squad for Saturday’s match against Huddersfield and beyond.
“In this moment, there is a little difference — maybe not little — between us and City,” Sarri said. “About the performance, I think in the first half it was not too bad.
“In the second half there was a big difference from the physical point of view, I think, so we have to work. Our pre-season until now has been a bit crazy I think and so we have to work.”
Sarri has still not seen six of his players, compounding issues in getting across his philosophy.
“We have the idea to press,” the Italian added. “Sometimes we press in the right way but sometimes not.
“We have the idea to be in control of the match but today we were not in control of the match.
“So, I think it’s a long way we have to work. It’s not very easy.
“In the next week we have a friendly match again (against Lyon) and I prefer in this moment to stay on the pitch with the players only for training.”