“We are tired” — Pep Guardiola expresses Man City burnout concerns ahead of brutal March fixtures

Pep Guardiola has expressed concern over his Manchester City squad burning out with so many big fixtures upcoming.

The Blues are all but set to head into a grueling month of March in which they face Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal. Plus Pep Guardiola’s side could have more FA Cup and Champions League duties to contend with should they progress in those competitions.

The busy period will kick off with an FA Cup showdown with Luton Town at Kenilworth Road Tuesday evening, a fixture in itself that is becoming a real test for the Premier League’s big sides.

Speaking ahead of the trip to London, Pep Guardiola revealed the physical and mental toll that this season has already taken on his side, with plenty more busy weeks ahead.

“Of course we are tired,” Guardiola said. “Of course we are, but it is what it is. We are tired, but we will recover today, we will sleep good, we will eat good, and we will be ready to Luton, and we are going to do, and I want to go through.

“I know it’s difficult, really, but it is what it is. I see my players. We played Champions League and all the teams have a long week aside from the Champions League teams because the schedule is that.

“We played against Brentford! And Brentford is dentist! It’s going to the dentist! You know? Without anesthetic! It’s there! And do you know why we play against Brentford?

“I see the schedule is three days and after Tuesday to Sunday is a lot and after we have Champions League and after we have another one and comes now the big month that’s United, and maybe I don’t know an FA Cup, against Brighton, and after in Liverpool, and Arsenal, and Aston Villa, so yeah, welcome!”

There have been plenty of discussions regarding Pep Guardiola’s propensity to keeping a small squad as it pertains to potential burnout during the business end of the campaign.

Three consecutive Premier League titles should quiet some of those whispers however, as Guardiola’s side have proven to find renewed energy down the stretch.

They will need that energy going forward however, as only five days after the trip to Luton, City will square off with neighbours Manchester United in a crucial Manchester derby to kick off the busy March fixtures.