As Arsenal prepares to face Newcastle in a preseason encounter, a surprising advisory has emerged from an unlikely but respected figureβManchester City manager Pep Guardiola. The experienced tactician has reportedly issued a stern but sincere warning to his former assistant, Mikel Arteta, regarding one of Arsenalβs most important players: Bukayo Saka.
Guardiola, renowned for his deep understanding of player conditioning and strategic squad rotation, is said to have cautioned Arteta against fielding Saka in the friendly. His concern centers not on rivalry, but rather on preserving the health and form of a young talent who has already endured a strenuous year on both domestic and international stages.
The 21-year-old Saka has been a relentless performer for Arsenal, often seen leading the Gunnersβ attack with tireless energy and flair. His contributions were not limited to club football alone; he also played a pivotal role in Englandβs campaigns, racking up minutes and dealing with the mental and physical toll of high-stakes football.
Guardiolaβs advice is shaped by his own approach at Manchester City, where he is known for carefully managing playersβ minutes, especially in preseason. βPreseason should be about rebuilding, not risking,β he reportedly told Arteta. Itβs a philosophy that has helped extend the longevity of many of Cityβs starsβby easing them into the competitive rhythm gradually.
This warning isnβt rooted in fear or competition but in genuine concern for a player Guardiola deeply respects. The City boss has seen how overuse can derail promising careers, especially when young stars are overburdened in meaningless preseason fixtures that offer little reward but high risk.
Saka, for all his brilliance, has shown signs of burnout before. Heβs had to cope with niggling injuries, and Arsenal fans have occasionally watched nervously as he pushed through pain barriers to deliver on the pitch. A heavy preseason schedule might just add unnecessary wear before the real battles begin in the Premier League and Champions League.
Arteta, who has often praised Sakaβs work ethic and commitment, now faces a key decision. Does he heed the warning of his mentor and rest his prized winger? Or does he push forward, hoping Sakaβs young body can handle yet another rigorous season, starting from preseason?
What makes Guardiolaβs intervention more significant is the broader message about player welfare. In an era where footballers are playing more games than ever before, conversations about rest, recovery, and mental fatigue are becoming central to how top managers plan their seasons.
Preseason matches are no longer seen as simple warm-ups. They are televised, scrutinized, and sometimes even played abroad for commercial purposes. But managers like Guardiola are reminding their peers that these games must not overshadow the ultimate goal: success in the actual campaign and the protection of core players.
Saka, as talented and eager as he is, doesnβt need to prove himself in July. His place in the team is secure, and his value is unquestioned. It may be more beneficial for Arsenal to use this preseason opportunity to test fringe players, tweak tactical systems, and preserve their talisman for when it truly matters.
Guardiolaβs message to Artetaβwhether whispered in private or shared informallyβcould be a turning point in how Arsenal approaches the remainder of preseason. Itβs not just about one match against Newcastle; itβs about ensuring their brightest star is shining in April and May, not limping through October.
As the two managers prepare their sides, Guardiolaβs timely caution could very well influence how Arteta maps out Sakaβs return to full match action. And for Arsenal fans hoping for a title push, such foresight might be just whatβs needed to keep their campaign on the right track.
