Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has clarified his decision to bench Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne in the match against Aston Villa.
Phil Foden netted a hat-trick as the Premier League champions secured a victory against a top-five team for the first time this season.
Regarding resting Haaland and De Bruyne, Guardiola explained, “They were available to play, but we opted to rotate other players. Our intention was to secure a win, not solely to give rest to specific individuals.”
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“We prioritized fresh legs, especially considering our recent fixture against Arsenal just three days prior. It was essential for managing the schedule effectively and ensuring adequate rest for the squad.”
City’s 4-1 triumph over Villa maintains their third position in the league standings with 67 points, level with Liverpool, who are set to face Sheffield United on Thursday.