The Spaniard has decided to give his players some time off rather than fly to Abu Dhabi for warm-weather training.
Pep Guardiola has revealed that he has chosen to give his players two weeks off in the upcoming mid-season break rather than opting for warm-weather training in Abu Dhabi.
City were contemplating heading to the Middle East during their winter break, but the Spaniard believes his team could do with time off from football.
Guardiola’s side sit atop the Premier League table on 56 points, 11 off Liverpool who are second. The recent Covid-19 outbreak at the club forced Guardiola and a number of players and backroom staff into isolation earlier this month.
“We spoke with the club and it’s not safe enough to go there all together right now because of the virus,” Guardiola said.
“We decided that everyone can go with their families. They will have a few days off to rest a little bit. Most of them never have a week off because they go to the national teams. They can spend time with their families and friends.”
City are up against Southampton this weekend, and Riyad Mahrez, whose Algeria were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations, will miss the clash. Guardiola explained: “He has a holiday for a week.
“He has permission to take one week off and come back with the team next week.”
City will return to action after two weeks against Fulham in the FA Cup on February 5.
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