Pep backs sub rule as benchmark

PEP Guardiola thinks making the changes to substitutions permanent in the Premier League would make his job easier.

Given the short time clubs had to prepare for the resumption of the competition after two months away from the training ground – and the amount of games packed into a six-week schedule – the decision was made to allow an extended bench of nine players for matches with the possibility to bring five substitutes on.

City’s manager had previously called for similar action to protect the workload of players, and has made use of the change in the last month – at Brighton, he brought five new faces into the game in the second half.

While the change is temporary there have been reports that it could be kept next season. As well as helping with fitness, Guardiola believes such a move would also improve morale in the squad because fewer players would be left out on a matchday.

“It has helped all the teams because all the clubs have had a lack of preparation, just two or three weeks, which is not much to play every two or three days,” he said.

“In the last 20, 30 minutes [of matches], when you have a lack of preparation, you suffer and that [extra subs] helps to maintain players’ fitness.

“Maybe for next year if it happens, it will be good. You can travel with not just 18 players [including] on the bench, but 20, as happened this season.

“It would be good for the health and mood of the team. Everybody feels involved and part of the team.”