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Man City news: Only ONE player will not be rotated under Guardiola - Lescott EXCLUSIVE
MANCHESTER CITY star Kevin De Bruyne will be the only player who will not be rotated under Pep Guardiola this season, Joleon Lescott claims.
Guardiola’s men are hoping to win their second consecutive Premier League title after dominating last time out.
City broke the 100-point barrier en route to their first title since 2014, losing just two league games all season.
De Bruyne was instrumental under Guardiola, who opted to rotate his squad to enable City to compete on all fronts.
The Belgium international was pipped to the PFA Player of the Year award by Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, who netted 44 goals in all competitions last season.
And former City star Lescott, who currently works with the club’s loan players, says De Bruyne will be the only player who will not be rested - adding new signing Riyad Mahrez will be in and out of the team.
Probably apart from De Bruyne, every player will be expected to be involved in that rotation to get some rest
“Everyone in City’s squad knows that there will be rotation. Probably apart from De Bruyne, every player will be expected to be involved in that rotation to get some rest,” Lescott exclusively told Express Sport while speaking at the Premier League and BT Disability Football Festival at City’s Etihad Campus.
“Mahrez is a top quality player, he’s recognised Premier League quality. Outside of City’s top players, he had the most assists in the Premier League.
“He’s coming in with title-winning experience, which a lot of the City players now have. It’ll be exciting for everyone to watch and see.
“In terms of him playing straight away, he may have to due to the lads being on international duty.
Liverpool need to push Manchester City to win title says expert
“Throughout the season, especially the forward players, will play a relevant number of games and have a great impact.”
City, despite breaking their club-record fee to sign Mahrez from Leicester, have had a quiet transfer window.
Philippe Sandler is Guardiola’s only other signing, with the former Barcelona boss insisting he’s happy with his squad.
City face Chelsea for the Community Shield this afternoon at Wembley (3pm kick-off).
Joleon Lescott was speaking at the Premier League and BT Disability Football Festival. Over 180 young people who participate in Club disability sports sessions, funded by the Premier League and BT, attended the event at Manchester City’s Etihad Campus.
The initiative aims to create opportunities and inspire disabled people through sport, with 23,437 participants engaged since the programme launched in September 2016.