Premier League opener: Man City players will be ready for West Ham – Guardiola

Manchester City travel to West Ham on Saturday lunch time as Pep Guardiola’s men begin their quest to win three titles in succession.

The Citizens defeated Liverpool on penalties to lift the Community Shield last Sunday after full-time scores stood at one-all.

Many of the players Guardiola used in prosecuting that game and several others who would be filing out against the Hammers have endured another packed summer schedule.

A few of City’s first-team stars were involved in the UEFA Nations League, the Copa America and the African Cup of Nations, with some having only recently returned to the team’s training ground.

But the former Barcelona manager envisages little problem and expects his players desire and determination to shine through when they face their first league challenge of the season.

“Today, the players are so professional,” he said. “Even on holiday they take care of themselves really well,” Pep Guardiola told the club’s official website.

“They know the competition is not just outside but inside the locker room – they have to fight to take a position in the team.

“That’s why they are so professional. Last season, before the Community Shield, we had just one week of preparation with most of the players and they competed.

“Today, you can trust the players.”

“Most players have three weeks holiday – that’s enough,” he said.

“When I was a footballer, in the early years the preparation was incredibly tough. It was running for six or seven weeks.

“We realised that now players can reach the high fitness level – not at the beginning, but step-by-step they can get there quickly.

“I think your physical condition improves when you are training every week.

“Football is not a physical condition. Its understanding the way we want to play on the pitch. That makes the difference.”

City will be looking to replicate the fast start made last season when they defeated Arsenal at the Emirates on the opening day of the season.