City are set to take place in the inaugural Club World Cup next summer following the conclusion of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
It means, starting from Saturday’s Community Shield fixture, the club will embark on a 48-week campaign.
Guardiola, who confirmed Kyle Walker, John Stones, Phil Foden and Rodri will all miss the trip to Wembley following their participation in the Euro 2024 final, says there’s nothing the club can do about the fixture congestion.
“We try to give them the best rest possible, as much as possible. We would like to give them more time but it is what it is,” he said.
“Step by step, next game, try to be smart enough, train the right amount of time and be fresh in your mind. Rotate the players as much as possible, game by game and we will see what happen.”