- In a rare moment of candid managerial advice, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has reportedly issued a strong warning to his former assistant, Mikel Arteta, just hours before Arsenal’s pre-season clash against Newcastle United. The message? Don’t start Bukayo Saka.
The two managers, who once worked side by side at Manchester City, maintain mutual respect and occasional communication. Ahead of the friendly encounter, Guardiola is believed to have pulled Arteta aside—whether metaphorically or literally—and advised caution when it comes to playing Saka.
The reason behind Guardiola’s concern stems from Saka’s heavy workload in the 2024/25 season. The 21-year-old winger was a central figure in Arsenal’s domestic campaign and England’s international commitments, racking up minutes in virtually every competition available. With such demands on his young body, Guardiola fears the physical consequences of throwing him straight into pre-season action.
“Preseason is not a sprint. It’s a slow build,” Guardiola reportedly told Arteta. “You have to protect your stars now, or you risk losing them when it truly matters.” His message wasn’t just a friendly suggestion—it carried the weight of experience from years managing some of football’s most injury-prone stars.
Saka’s contributions last season were undeniable—goals, assists, and relentless energy down the right flank. But beneath the surface, there were signs of wear and tear. Minor injuries disrupted his rhythm at times, and Guardiola’s message suggests that even a single friendly in July could tip the balance toward something more serious.
Guardiola’s words reflect a growing sentiment in elite football: young players must be managed with long-term sustainability in mind. The physical demands of modern football, particularly for dynamic wide players like Saka, have only intensified. And for a club like Arsenal—eyeing silverware across four competitions—keeping their best players fit is non-negotiable.
Arteta, who has worked closely with Saka since his breakthrough into the first team, is undoubtedly aware of his star man’s limits. But with pre-season presenting a vital opportunity to refine systems and test squad depth, the temptation to start a game-changer like Saka is always present. Guardiola’s timely reminder might help tip the scale in favor of caution.
In many ways, this advisory is as much about squad management as it is about Saka. Arteta could use this opportunity to experiment with new combinations, perhaps giving more minutes to younger backups or fringe players looking to prove themselves. In doing so, he could preserve Saka for the moments that truly matter—like the Premier League opener just weeks away.
The match against Newcastle, while important for rhythm and chemistry, is still a friendly. Guardiola’s logic is simple: don’t risk one of the Premier League’s brightest stars over a game that won’t matter come May. It’s the kind of risk-reward equation great managers learn to master.
As kickoff nears, all eyes will be on Arteta’s team sheet. Will he take Guardiola’s advice to heart and rest Saka? Or will the allure of deploying one of Europe’s top young talents override the cautious whispers?
Whatever Arteta decides, Guardiola’s words will likely linger in the background. Because in modern football, success isn’t just about tactics—it’s about timing, discipline, and knowing when not to play your best card.
And sometimes, the smartest move is not to play at all.
