Man City striker Julian Alvarez admits he is ‘surprised’ by how much Pep Guardiola rotates the team

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Man City striker Julián Álvarez admits he is “surprised” by the amount of Pep Guardiola the team rotates, saying he “almost never picks the same starting XI” but says his methods keep players “on their toes and ready”.

  • Man City striker Julian Alvarez has discussed Pep Guardiola’s rotation policy
  • He admitted he was surprised by how much his manager cuts and changes.
  • But the Argentine says he makes sure the team is ‘always alert and ready to play’

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez has admitted he was ‘surprised’ by the number of rotations his manager Pep Guardiola had in his squad when he first arrived at the club.

The Argentine striker joined City last year and has impressed at the Etihad in his first full season – scoring nine times in all competitions and taking risks despite Erling Haaland being the first choice.

But Álvarez was quick to notice Guardiola’s tendency to cut and change his starting XI, saying he was caught off guard because he “almost never picks the same line-up”.

However, he says there are benefits to the rotation policy, as it ensures players stay on their toes.

“Before coming here, I knew the way Pep works, but even I was surprised at the amount of turnover there is,” he told GQ magazine.

Man City star Julian Alvarez has admitted he is 'surprised' by the amount of Pep Guardiola's rotations

Man City star Julian Alvarez has admitted he is ‘surprised’ by the amount of Pep Guardiola’s rotations

The Argentinian striker says the Spaniard's policy ensures players stay alert

The Argentinian striker says the Spaniard’s policy ensures players stay alert

“Pep hardly ever picks the same 11 in back-to-back games – you make sure you’re always on your toes and 100% so that when your time comes, you know you’re ready to play and you’re there for everyone else.” manager.’

Guardiola’s rotation policy has been criticized in the past after making big changes in big games, including in the 2021 Champions League final against Chelsea, when he opted not to play a renowned defensive midfielder, leaving Fernandinho on the bench.

He famously set up his Bayern Munich team to attack Real Madrid in the 2014 Champions League semi-final second leg before being beaten 4-0.

And City fans will remember how in 2020 he opted to play a 3-5-2 formation against Lyon in the Champions League quarter-final before his team was beaten 3-1.

Guardiola is famous for cutting and changing and has been regularly criticized for it.

Guardiola is famous for cutting and changing and has been regularly criticized for it.

Alvarez, who won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Argentina, insists he quickly turned his attention back to Man City as they look to pressure Arsenal and close the gap at the top of the Premier League.

The Gunners are currently five points behind them with one game to go.

“After the World Cup, I had a few days to celebrate and spend time with my family and friends,” he added.

‘As soon as it was time to return to the club, I changed my approach.

“In terms of what I want to achieve this season, I want to be 100 per cent and play as many games as possible, helping as much as I can.”

“Collectively, we want to win every competition we’re in.”