Pep Guardiola has rediscovered his mojo in time for Manchester City to launch their challenge for an unprecedented fifth league title in a row.
Guardiola looked as exhausted as his players at the end of last season when City lost the FA Cup final to Manchester United, having narrowly fought off Arsenal to lift the Premier League trophy.
The relentlessness persuaded Jurgen Klopp to call it a day at Liverpool but as City begin their title defence at Chelsea on Saturday, Guardiola looks refreshed.
'You are always tired at the end of a season but when you take a break you bring energy back,' he said. 'To work better, you have to disconnect. It is necessary to relax your mind, do other things. Otherwise there is a moment it doesn't work.
'I have learned that. Before I was like, "I have to work". No, sometimes resting means you are working better.'
Pep Guardiola has rediscovered his mojo ahead of Man City's first game of their title defence
Guardiola spent the close-season playing golf, visiting his dad in Catalonia and enjoying a dinner with his former players from Barcelona B, the first team he coached. He is entering the final 12 months of his City contract but assures fans he won't flag before the trophies are handed out next May.
'Sometimes I am tired and in that moment, I don't work. I rest. And after rest, I am ready to work harder and better,' he added.
'Not all the time I am happy or have the energy to work, that is why I have staff to help. Before it was not like that, I felt I had to do all of it, and it's not productive.'
City are strong favourites to dominate again with the likes of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, but look sparse in attack with Julian Alvarez joining Atletico Madrid, Oscar Bobb injured and Phil Foden short of pre-season minutes after going away following the final of Euro 2024.
City made history by winning the Treble in 2023, and last season became the first team to win four straight titles. Yet Guardiola says his only immediate target is three points against Chelsea, who held City to two draws last term.
'We have conquered the Premier League in the past but now we start from zero,' he insisted.
'The competition ignites something in myself and hopefully in the players as well to do it again. If you don't have the passion or desire, then don't be here.'
Rodri is expected to miss out due to injury, giving a chance to Mateo Kovacic against his former club.