It’s a great idea – Pep Guardiola following Sir Alex Ferguson strategy during international break
Manchester United will head into the international break off the back of a draw after picking up a point at Aston Villa on Sunday.
Another international break is now upon us as Manchester United players prepare to head away with their countries.
This period in the season is always so frustrating for supporters.
The September international break comes just a month into the new Premier League season and just as everybody gets back into the swing of the season, another break arrives.
United period since the last break hasn’t exactly been impressive but at least Erik ten Hag avoided defeat at Aston Villa, securing a 0-0 draw.
Defeat at Villa Park could have made the international break a difficult time for Ten Hag but the under-fire boss picked up a point on the road.
Former manager of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson CBE, is seen in attendance prior to the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers…
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Pep Guardiola following Sir Alex Ferguson strategy
Players are now set to travel away with their countries though some players – such as Harry Maguire – have not been called up.
For those not involved in international games, this will be a time to recharge and prepare for the Premier League’s return in a fortnight.
Managers will have different approaches to the break but Pep Guardiola has now admitted that his is inspired by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Speaking to Match of the Day, Guardiola admitted that he plans to give everybody some time off.
Guardiola claims that Brian Kidd told him that Ferguson used that approach during his time at Manchester United.
The City boss is taking the approach that, if it’s good enough for Ferguson, then it’s good enough for him too.
Guardiola noted that the winter months are ‘terrible’ in England, no doubt referencing the weather as well as the busy schedule in football.
“I love it,” said Guardiola.
“I would have the international break every two weeks. I love it, I think for the players it’s a problem, that’s why we always defend the players.
“I’m going to rest and after the international break, my energy is back. Everyone, the physios, the doctors, we close the window.
“When I arrived here, Brian Kidd told me that Sir Alex Ferguson used the international break to say everyone was off and I thought… if Sir Alex Ferguson has done it… I think ‘I’m going to do it’ and everyone goes home because December, January, February and March here is terrible,” he added.
Sir Alex Ferguson has inspired Guardiola
United ands will never particularly like Guardiola but the City boss has been inspired by Ferguson before.
Guardiola named Ferguson as the greatest manager of all time back in December 2023, ahead of John Cruyff and Arrigo Sacchi.
Guardiola has even highlighted more advice from Brian Kidd, inspired by the Ferguson era at United.
Kidd told Guardiola to forget all about the League Cup, claiming that Ferguson always felt that the competition didn’t matter at all.
Ferguson still won the competition four times at United but it’s clear that Kidd passed on nuggets of information from the Ferguson reign to aid Guardiola and City.
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Man City have set aside £80million for potential signings in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of
, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the defending Premier League champions still have money to spend from the sale of Julian Alvarez in the summer.
The 24-year-old striker joined Atletico Madrid for £81.5million, and Man City have that available to use in the upcoming transfer window.
Man City were dealt a major blow to the squad regarding Rodri’s long-term knee injury, and replacing him is something the club could look to do.
However, sources told Football Insider that Man City would ideally like to find a solution within their existing squad.
But if the right player is available in the mid-season transfer window then the club do have the money to spend to strengthen the squad.
Man City are monitoring several targets for January
The Premier League giants are currently looking at potential targets to sign in January that will enhance Pep Guardiola’s options.
However, the January transfer window is typically a quiet one for the club where they don’t pay out big money to sign new players.
Man City
Despite the loss of Rodri, the club remains undefeated in the Premier League this season.
Guardiola’s side are currentit’s ly in second place, sitting just one point behind Liverpool.
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