Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says that Manchester City’s biggest problem is not complacency but fitness.
City have already lost Claudio Bravo and Kevin de Bruyne to serious injuries and Guardiola is blaming a lack of pre-season after the World Cup.
They face Wolves on Saturday lunchtime, with many suggesting that City’s problem could be complacency against a newly promoted side.
“Complacency is not the problem. The problem is that now – while we are not far away – we are still not fit,” said Guardiola.
“We see how much the players spend for regeneration after the game. Normally it’s quicker – one or two days – now they need more time. It’s because we didn’t make a pre-season.
“When we arrive, immediately after three-four days we play the Community Shield and Arsenal. Some players need much more time to win power, strength. The players complain about muscular problems – that’s why Claudio got out, Kevin.
“This week Danilo had problems with regeneration after the game. But it’s normal, we demand a lot and still we are not in the best condition. Hopefully after the international break the team can be better and better.
“Wolves destroyed the Championship. They had an incredible season. They play attractive football and attack with good players. We knew how tough it would be last season in the Carabao Cup and it was.”
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City won’t be signing an out-of-contract goalkeeper to cover the loss of Claudio Bravo.
The Manchester City keeper has had an operation on a ruptured Achilles’ tendon and although there is no timescale on his return, the Chilean is expected to be out for around six months.
City recalled Montenegro under-21 international Aro Muric from a season-long loan at Dutch side NAC Breda as cover and Guardiola said he was their only consideration.
“The surgery was good and we’ll see [when he’s back],” Guardiola told a news conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Wolves.
On the possibility of signing a free agent, he added: “No, from then beginning it was Aro, Aro. He was the option. We know him. Last season he trained with us all year. We loaned him because you know the second team isn’t a real competition and that’s why we want to see him every weekend play and play.
“Unfortunately with Claudio the first option was [for Muric] to come back because the window is closed. We have Aro and Grimshaw. They will be our three goalkeepers.”