MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City celebrates his team’s second goal scored by teammate Jeremy Doku (not pictured) during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola has explained why he gave his Manchester City players, including Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, a full day off ahead of their Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund.
City would usually train the day before a European fixture, with the first 15 minutes open to the media, but Guardiola decided his squad needed extra recovery after their recent Premier League efforts.
Guardiola reveals why he gave Man City stars a day off
“We will train tomorrow morning,” the Catalan coach told reporters at his pre-match press conference, with quotes via The Independent. “I have done it a few times. Sometimes I prefer it. It was such a demanding game against Bournemouth, I prefer they stay at home.”
Guardiola’s side defeated Bournemouth on Sunday, while Dortmund have had a longer rest, last playing on Friday. The City boss admitted the schedule favours teams in other leagues.
“In Germany and France they try to play on Friday,” Guardiola added. “Here it’s completely the opposite. But if I don’t like it, I go and train in Germany or France.”
The Premier League champions will resume preparations on Wednesday morning before hosting Dortmund at the Etihad later that evening.
