Pep fears players may be undercooked
PEP Guardiola has admitted that City may have sold themselves short by playing just FOUR pre-season games.
The Blues wrapped up their US tour against Tottenham in Nashville on Saturday, just their third game in the four weeks since they returned to training.
They will then head for Reykjavik for a showpiece game against West Ham on Friday, the last friendly before the season begins in earnest at Brighton on August 12.
That is in stark contrast to neighbours United, who have already played five times and will squeeze in another three before they start the season.
In the past the Blues have played a couple of low-key games against MLS or Australian league clubs, as well as taking part in the International Champions Cup against top European clubs.
But this time they have only faced United and Real Madrid before taking on Spurs.
And Guardiola indicated that might mean they will go to the south coast for a teatime kick-off against the Seagulls slightly undercooked in terms of preparation.
“Maybe it will be better with more games but I like the training, I need it,” said Guardiola.
“Bernardo Silva played in the Confederations and needs to rest. It was good what we have done. We have a good spirit and rhythm.
“We have two weeks until the start. We don’t have to be 100 per cent in the first game, but over the nine months.”