Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, expressed frustration over the scheduling that forced his team to play an FA Cup semi-final right after a Champions League quarter-final. Despite City’s 1-0 win against Chelsea, Guardiola criticized the timing, especially considering their recent penalty shootout loss to Real Madrid.
Guardiola suggested that the FA Cup semi-final between Coventry and Manchester United, set for Sunday, should have been rescheduled to Saturday. This change would have provided City with an extra day of rest following their demanding Champions League match. “I can’t comprehend how we coped,” Guardiola commented, underscoring the strain on his players.
Today’s competition is unacceptable. The welfare of the players makes it simply impossible. This situation is not typical at all. After enduring 120 minutes, the emotional toll of the Madrid match, and the manner of our defeat, it’s truly overwhelming. While I recognize the importance of the FA Cup in this country, prioritizing player health should take precedence,” he conveyed.
Guardiola’s fervent response post-match involved embracing his players on the pitch and acknowledging City’s supporters. Guardiola continued his criticism in the press conference that followed, calling the domestic and international schedules unsustainable.
The Premier League matchup between City and Brighton is scheduled for Thursday at 8:00 PM BST. “I just want to keep my players safe. It’s a matter of common sense. I’m not asking for special treatment, just fairness,” Guardiola emphasized.
Following Arsenal’s victory over Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday, Arteta, the team’s manager, shared similar concerns to Guardiola’s.
“It’s not just about Pep, myself, or Arsenal. It is mostly about the players’ well-being,” said Arteta, who had served as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City before joining the Arsenal management team in 2019.
Equal conditions for all teams competing in European tournaments are crucial, Arteta underlined.
“When some teams get a seven-day or even just a three-day break while others must contend with the rigorous schedule of the Premier League and the FA Cup, it is unfair. The current balance is inadequate.”
When the 2024–25 season fixture schedule is finalized next month, it is expected that conflicts between domestic league fixtures and UEFA matches will still exist despite the elimination of FA Cup replays.
The Premier League, Football Association, and English Football League are grappling with a challenging situation, exacerbated by UEFA’s expansion of club competitions and the forthcoming introduction of the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the upcoming season.
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