Manchester City players have returned to training with fresh legs and clear minds after manager Pep Guardiola granted them a three-day break during a demanding run of fixtures, the Spaniard said on Friday.

City head into Saturday’s Premier League trip to Leeds United on a five-match winning streak in all competitions, determined to keep the pressure on leaders Arsenal. The London side sit five points clear at the summit, albeit having played a game more than the reigning champions.

Asked about his decision to allow the squad time off in the middle of the campaign, Guardiola dismissed suggestions it was a luxury break.

“It’s not to go to the Maldives,” he told reporters. “Since September-October, we’ve had long weeks. I’ve learned in this country, less is more. And we can train less because the schedule allowed us. You have to clean the minds and legs to come back better.”

City were also boosted by the return to training of winger Jeremy Doku, who has contributed three goals and 11 assists this season but had been sidelined with a calf injury.

Leeds, currently 15th in the table, have proven stubborn opponents of late, holding top-five sides Chelsea and Aston Villa in their last two league outings. They also pushed City hard in November, coming close to a 2-2 draw before Phil Foden struck a dramatic added-time winner.

Guardiola, who has guided City to six Premier League titles since the 2017/18 season, was asked about navigating the pressures of another tight title race.

“I don’t remember,” he said with a smile. “I’m not here to give advice to Mikel,” he added, referring to his former assistant Mikel Arteta, now leading Arsenal’s challenge at the top.