Pep Guardiola says that Manchester City “will have to suffer” against Juventus in the heat at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, with the conditions disrupting the team’s rhythm and affecting who he selects.
If City beat Juve they will top Group G and avoid the winners of Group H, from which two of Real Madrid, Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Hilal will progress. Temperatures for the game may be above 30C and Guardiola was asked about the conditions.
“The heat is obvious. We cannot change it, right?” the manager said. “So it’s better to play like in the last stadium [which was indoors and air-conditioned]it was fantastic. I’m making the selection tomorrow [Thursday] thinking about the second half because in these conditions we can’t play at our rhythm. But all the teams have to handle it, so it is what it is. For the next World Cup [in the US]people will know [about] it already, but we have to be ready to suffer. My advice to people is to bring water, hats and towels.”
Guardiola also criticised Fifa for banning Rico Lewis for three matches for being sent off in the 2-0 opening group game against Wydad. “If Fifa wants to show how serious they are – OK. Accept the three games,” he said.
Claudio Echeverri may miss the rest of the tournament due to the ankle injury he suffered in the 6-0 win over Al Ain. Guardiola said: “He will be two to three weeks out. We feel so sorry for him, all of us. We’ll play new players and then new players in the next game too.”
On Tuesday the 54-year-old Guardiola enjoyed some beach football with his players near City’s hotel in Boca Raton. He stressed the need to relax during time off at the tournament. “The end of the season was so demanding emotionally,” said Guardiola. “It wasn’t the best for consistency and results. I decided we’d do good training but let the players relax for the rest of the day.
“If they want to play golf, go to the pool, on a day off be with their families [fine] – otherwise it would be so difficult mentally. It’s to keep it fresh in the training sessions, not expending energy before the games because it would be so tough. We didn’t lose physical condition after the season.
“Some went to their national teams and didn’t have days off. It’s maintaining [fitness] and relaxing. We have 11 months ahead of us. I decided for them to do whatever they want.”
Rodri is not yet ready to play a full game after his comeback from a season-long injury. “Not for 90 minutes but he played the last [two] games 30 minutes or 35 minutes,” said Guardiola. “He’s making steps forward. In the last three or four days he didn’t have some niggles that sometimes he has [what can be normal after a long layoff].”
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Rodri himself said it would be “months” before he was back to his best. “I know it’s still going to be months until I reach my level, but I’m so happy,” he said. “I feel very, very strong, to be honest. The process was long, but I was taking my time. The most important thing was to keep focused and be strong. Not be sad or whatever. One day I’ll come back and this day has finally come and. I’m very excited to play again.”
He has previously criticised the packed schedule for players. “Well, now it is a massive opportunity for me to come back,” he said. “Maybe if this tournament doesn’t happen, I will be on holiday. But for me, individually, it’s a great opportunity to come back at the highest level and play a tournament we have never played. The idea is amazing, honestly. I think we’re excited. You can see the difference between the clubs from and all around the world. It’s good and interesting for the people.”
The Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson has entered the final season of his contract and the manager was asked if this might be the No 1’s final year at City.
“I don’t know. I’m so pleased and delighted with what I’m seeing in training and that he is still with us. We cannot define this spectacular decade without him,” said Guardiola.
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