Guardiola expects Man City to thrive during busy schedule
By Reuters, November 24, 2025Any complaints from Manchester City players about a busy fixture schedule are unlikely to wash with manager Pep Guardiola, with the Spaniard confident his squad can recapture their trophy-winning form amid a heavy run of games.
City, who lost 2-1 at Newcastle United on Saturday, November 22, 2025, will play eight matches in 26 days from November 25 to December 20, including two Champions League fixtures, five league games, and a League Cup quarter-final against Brentford.
“We are used to it — we’ve won quadruples and trebles playing that way,” Guardiola told reporters.
“We want it. The trebles and quadruples came (from) playing on Saturday and Tuesday, then Tuesday and Friday, and Friday and Sunday. It’s not a problem.”
Guardiola has previously complained about fixture congestion in the last two seasons, saying it contributed to injuries and mental fatigue.
Last season was only Guardiola’s second trophyless campaign since joining City, the first coming in 2016-17. His contract had been due to expire at the end of this season, but an extension signed last year will keep him at the club until June 2027.
City’s fourth defeat of the season leaves them in third place and seven points behind leaders Arsenal.
Asked how many fines he has previously received, Guardiola said: “A lot. Sometimes I arrive one minute later, but the rules are the rules. We are training later, and if we train from 12 to 1.30, I cannot be here (at the press conference) in time. The Premier League doesn’t allow me at 2 pm. The club said if I don’t start by 2 pm, they will fine me or fine the club.
“We paid a lot of money as I’m late at half-time, but when we played in the Champions League final, they had a show before the game, and they are always late. They have to find the singers! That is why I decided on 9 am, and the journalists have had their breakfast and will need to take a coffee.”
City brushed aside champions Liverpool in their last Premier League game before the international break. It was an indication that they are ready to challenge for the title after a disappointing campaign last season, and are boosted by having only the midfielders Rodri and.
“If we continue the squad fit, we’ll compete every single game and every single competition, I don’t have any doubts about that,” Guardiola said.