Pep Guardiola calls for international breaks “every two weeks” after Sir Alex Ferguson lesson

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has jokingly suggested that international breaks should take place “every two weeks” such is his “love” for the pause in schedule.

The Premier League champions’ latest block of matches will now be separated by a number of UEFA Nations League and FIFA World Cup Qualifier contests for Pep Guardiola’s first-team stars, before returning to club action late this month.

After a two-game run of successive draws in the English top-flight, Manchester City returned to winning ways with victory over Marco Silva’s Fulham on Saturday afternoon, courtesy of a brace from Mateo Kovacic and a sumptuous late effort from Jeremy Doku.

The upcoming international break will also allow for Manchester City medical staff and coaches to focus their attentions on the recovery process of Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake, both of whom are expected to return in the next two weeks.

Speaking to reporters after the 3-2 win on Saturday, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on the upcoming October international break and whether he is looking forward to the pause in Manchester City’s schedule.

“I love it! I would have an international break every two weeks,” Guardiola responded, before revealing a lesson that he was taught by a former Manchester City assistant coach during their time alongside Manchester United legend, Sir Alex Ferguson.

Guardiola continued, “Brian Kidd told me Sir Alex Ferguson used international breaks as everyone was off, and I thought, if Sir Alex Ferguson has done it, I think I’m going to do it!

“But the players have to go there to play, so that’s why they cannot rest. And this is a problem, but it is what it is. For me, personally, it’s perfect!”

Among the players to be selected for international action are Manchester City’s complete English contingent, with Kyle Walker, Rico Lewis, John Stones, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish all chosen by Lee Carsley to represent the Three Lions.

Kevin De Bruyne will be among those absent for his country this month, and into November’s international break too, with the Manchester City vice-captain opting to remain away from the Belgium Red Devils with a view towards developing his own match fitness.