Competition for places in Pep Guardiola’s starting eleven can drive Manchester City even further | OneFootball

As Manchester City began their preparations for today’s Premier League fixture against Everton late last week, several key players returned to training after lengthy injury lay-offs. Rayan Cherki returned to training before the international break. Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri have also trained this week. Mateo Kovacic is also close to returning from surgery he had on a troublesome Achilles injury at the end of last season. Pep Guardiola will have more options to utilize as players return from injury. With more players available for selection, competition for spots in the Manchester City starting eleven will be fierce. That is exactly what Pep Guardiola wants, and it can push City even further this season.

Pep Guardiola wants his players to compete for positions in his starting lineup.

Speaking during his pre-game press conference ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Everton, Pep Guardiola explained that he wants his players to compete for places in his starting lineup. The Manchester City manager explained that it is up to his players to perform to keep their positions on the pitch. Pep Guardiola explained: “That’s the point, they have to compete. Jeremy (Doku) was unbelievable this season, but didn’t play against Brentford. They have to compete and decide at the end of the day – they have to choose.”

“Okay, I need to do better or an excuse. In the end, they want to compete, and of course, everyone has their own players, focus, problems, but the one target is to win games. You score three goals, you’ll play, don’t worry, but if you have excuses, you can’t improve.”

“One of the reasons for success is we don’t complain about this and that, it’s good they have to compete with each other, and you see them playing good – they’re not stupid.”

Internal competition can spur Manchester City on this season.

When Manchester City have their full squad available, they are a formidable prospect. There is quality across every line in Pep Guardiola’s squad. So far this season, City have rarely had every player available. Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Omar Marmoush, Mateo Kovacic, Savinho, John Stones, and Rodri have all had injury issues to contend with. But as they all return from injury, competition will be fierce amongst the City squad.

That competition has the potential to drive Manchester City on this season. If players don’t perform, they won’t play. There will be another player eager to take their place. That is exactly the environment that has led City to their triumphs in seasons past. It is a formula that works and is one that Pep Guardiola is eager to implement with his new-look team.

The Manchester City squad looks to be in a stronger position as players return from injury. Now it is up to City’s players to perform to keep their positions in Pep Guardiola’s lineup. If they don’t someone will take their place and that competition can drive City on this season.