Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has advised his players to look to the example set by Rafael Nadal during his career as a professional tennis player.
Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 at the French Open, but struggled at times with persistent and sometimes serious injuries.
City have been a dominant force under Guardiola, winning four consecutive Premier League titles, but they are under increasing pressure from arsenal i Liverpoolwho have made a strong start to life under Arne Slot.
His bet to win another one Premier League The crown has started strongly, with seven wins and two draws in the first nine games, but Guardiola’s squad is being tested by several injuries.
Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Jeremy Doku and Oscar Bobb are on the sidelines with various illnesses, while many others are also struggling with general fitness issues and problems.
But in Guardiola’s estimation, players sometimes have to recognize when to overcome the pain barrier, something Nadal did throughout his legendary career.
“There are times when injuries are (harmful) injuries and be careful but sometimes if you have problems you have to play,” said Guardiola.
“Rafa Nadal played his whole career in pain. He played. And he won I don’t know how many Grand Slams. You have to deal with it in modern football or you can’t hold matches every three days at a top club. Kevin is getting better. The last two, three days, the doctor told me he took a step forward in terms of pain.
“It depends on the players. There are players who say, ‘OK, I’m ready,’ and there are players who are more inclined to stick with their history. There are others who just go, go, that No. “No matter what, it’s not because they’re more or less focused, it’s because they can adapt to an incredible amount of effort every day than others.”
City rested several players in midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspurprobably with the intention of fielding their strongest possible squad to face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Victory will keep City ahead of hosts Liverpool Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield, but any mistake could see Slot’s charges finish the weekend in top spot.
