By JACK GAUGHAN

Published: 07:52, 4 November 2025 | Updated: 07:52, 4 November 2025

Pep Guardiola has taken the unusual step of giving Manchester City a day off before they meet Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

City’s players reported to the club’s training ground for a routine recovery session on Monday after Sunday’s impressive 3-1 victory over Bournemouth.

Guardiola informed the squad that they were being afforded additional time to themselves on Tuesday, 24 hours before their home tie with the Germans.

The decision is believed to have been made to keep legs fresh ahead of their fourth game of the competition. Guardiola has been consistent in his complaints at the packed schedule in recent seasons.

Guardiola has never cancelled a training session on the eve of a European game before. The 54-year-old could stage a light session, focused on game-specific tactical work, on Wednesday morning.

Pep Guardiola has made the unusual decision to give his players the day off ahead of their Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund