Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has given a free-hand to his players to do whatever they want on break. The Sky Blues have a eight-day break before returning to Premier League action at Everton next Monday.

The Cityzens recently qualified for the FA Cup final after a 2-1 win against Southampton in the semifinal clash on Saturday. City have six games remaining in the ongoing season and they are once again pushing for a treble.

Guardiola said: “We have eight days until we go to Liverpool to play against Everton.

“They can do whatever they want. If they want to travel to wherever, they are completely free. As long as they arrive back on Wednesday afternoon for training.

“I’ve learned in this country, as much [sic] days off [as you have], the team plays better.

“Managers believe as much [as] you train, you play better, but I’m completely the opposite. You have to train, of course, but you also have to arrive fresh in the moment of the game. I’ve learned that.

“In the beginning I trained a lot, but now it’s home and quality time.”

The Spaniard coach said it is possible for them to play with the same set of players after every three days.

Guardiola said: “I need the squad, we need the squad. We need all of them.

“We cannot play this amount of games — every three days, every three days — with the same players. It will not be possible.

“We have to manage good substitutions and everyone has to make a step forward. Of course I demand more from some of them — I want more and more and more– but this is what you have to do.”

City will look to be at their best at the fag end of the season.