Pep Guardiola has spoken about the inadequate rest period following the World Cup for many of his stars. Three weeks at most as many decided to come back to Manchester to fight for their place.
If not physically, then players will need the mental break especially after a demanding season like the last.
Now, we are currently in a period where all club football fans dread as there will be no Premier League with club football is given a break for a fortnight.
However, Manchester City fans may be thinking that the international break couldn’t have come at a better time.
Performances have yet to meet the standards that Pep demands and replicate the football that could not be defended against six months ago.
A 1-1 draw against an impressive Wolves and scraping past Newcastle 2-1 may not have happened last season, but it has, with the club falling (slightly) behind Chelsea and Liverpool as the opponents look to emulate City’s success from last season.
Many of our international stars have been given time off to recuperate and relax, with a suggestion that the manager asked Brazil and Argentinian managers to exclude them for their upcoming squads due to the added risk of fatigue from the extensive travelling. The South American sides have friendlies scheduled in the United States after a disappointing World Cup campaign.
We have seen Sergio Aguero holidaying in Milan and Mykonos, Gabriel Jesus going back to his homeland with many of the other players also believed to be relaxing while gaining Vitamin D from the international sunshine.
Raheem Sterling omitted himself from the England squad with a minor muscle injury and Kyle Walker was not used in the England Spain fixture. Looking good so far.
Leroy Sane may not be getting much sleep now but he has added to his summer rest after only featuring for the German national team from the bench.
City will now go into the September fixture with an added exuberance as they will now face a tricky month added with Champions League games, especially if players featuring in their international squads come back injury free.
Whether Pep asked for his stars to be rested or not, we are now likely to see an all improved Manchester City as we enter a more definite period of the defence of the Premier League and start their search for a wanted Champions League to their trophy room.