Pep Guardiola explained why he only made one substitution during Manchester City's 0-0 draw with Porto.
The Blues boss had five at his disposal, a number he has regularly called for the Premier League to pick up again this season given the extra physical and mental demands placed on the players following the disruption to the schedule.
However, Gabriel Jesus was the only change used for the Champions League game with Porto as he came on for Ferran Torres for the final 20 minutes.
Guardiola was asked after the match if he had been too defensive in leaving Fernandinho and Rodri on all game as his team chased a goal. But after responding that his team created enough chances to win the game, he spoke about the rhythm that he felt several players needed as he looks to have the best squad possible for the upcoming fixtures.
"I didn't make substitutions because I think a few players need rhythm like Bernardo [Silva], Joao [Cancelo], Eric [Garcia], Aleks [Zinchenko], Eric [Garcia], Dinho. Rodri was playing well too, his physicality is strong, and I want to give them minutes for the rhythm," he said.
"They showed me today like the other players showed me against Burnley in the previous game that everybody is fit and ready. they have to know that this is the way so I can trust the players that played today without doubts as I can trust the players that played against Burnley.
"It is competition between them, that is the good news and now after the qualification for the Champions League knockouts is the time to focus on the Premier League."
