Pep Guardiola has bemoaned over the amount of time Manchester City had to rest before their FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea.
Guardiola stressed that Chelsea, who his side defeated in the semis, alongside Manchester United and Coventry City, who play in the other last 4 fixtures have had enough days to rest compared to his side.
Pep Guardiola watched his side secure a hard-fought win over Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, days after they were dumped out of the UEFA Champions League by Real Madrid.
The Spanish tactician felt that his side should have been handed one more day at least, in order for his players to rest and be in proper shape.
Pep Guardiola tags FA Cup schedule for Manchester City “unacceptable”
Speaking with the BBC concerning the scheduling of the game, Guardiola expressed: “It’s unacceptable. It’s really unacceptable. Coventry, United, Chelsea don’t play in the week and they had us play today. Next week, on Friday, will be better.”
Pep Guardiola was subsequently asked by presenter Gary Lineker if he felt poorly treated and he replied: “It’s impossible. For the health of the players. It’s not normal, honestly, it’s not normal. So because I win I have the courage to tell you and in defeat, I would shut up but it’s not possible.”
The former Bayern Munich boss heaped much attention on the amount of minutes that his side played against Real Madrid, with the inclusion of penalties.
He said: “It’s unacceptable to go 120 minutes, all of you are football players, the emotion to play Madrid, the semi-finals, the way we lose and everything, so honestly, I know in this country it’s special for many reasons, but it’s for the health of the players. I don’t understand how we survived today.”
Additionally, Lineker also quizzed Guardiola on whether he had tabled the matter before the English FA and he replied:
“Gary, do you think our demanding is going to change something? The only power I have I say here, it’s not going to change anything.
“I’ve known it for many years but why do you play today and not tomorrow when Coventry, United and Chelsea don’t play in midweek? Why? Why not have one more day for the health of the players?”
Bernardo Silva pokes the Cityzens into the final
Meanwhile, the Cityzens secured a place in the final following an 84th-minute crucial finish by Bernardo Silva.
Kevin De Bruyne found himself in space inside the Chelsea box and he drilled a troubling cross into the area, which was flicked away by Petrovic with his feet.
However, the ball fell to Silva in a glorious position, with the Portuguese striking the ball instantly, and it flew into the back of the net.
The Cityzens, who are looking to defend the FA Cup title which they won last season, defeated Manchester United in the final 2-1.
They could also have another opportunity to land another blow on their city rivals, who many tip to come out victorious over Coventry City in their semi-final fixture.
Anyway, Manchester City return to action next in the Premier League, facing Brighton and Hove Albion on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
They then play Nottingham Forest 3 days later on Sunday, April 28, 2024, with the Cityzens looking to win an unprecedented 4 league titles in a row.
It will be fascinating to see if they can achieve such a feat, surpassing the record of Manchester United, who won three league titles in a row twice.
