Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola drew a lot of criticism recently for his decision to name only six substitutes for his sides 1-1 draw away to Burnley in the Premier League last weekend.
Man United legend and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was one of the most vocal detractors, and labelled the decision a ”joke,” claiming that it sent the wrong message to young players at the Etihad, who surely could have benefitted from the experience of being named on the bench.
However, speaking ahead of his sides home Premier League fixture against Leicester, Guardiola said:
“We will have 18 players on the bench – and Gary Neville can be happy. I am happy.”
Guardiola’s of course has plenty of reasons to be happy, his side remain 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League table despite their draw at Turf Moor, and barring an epic breakdown will surely be crowned champions come May.
Another interesting sub plot to tomorrow’s fixture at the Etihad is that Riyad Mahrez, the player Man City bid £50 million for during the January transfer window has returned to training with the Foxes, and is expected to be named in the squad to face the club he so desperately wanted to join.