Sports
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says it is “unacceptable” that his side had to play an FA Cup semi-final so soon after a Champions League quarter-final.
City overcame Chelsea 1-0 to reach a second successive final but Guardiola criticised their schedule after the penalty shootout defeat by Real Madrid.
Guardiola said Coventry and Manchester United – who play on Sunday at Wembley – should have played on Saturday.
“I don’t understand how we survived,” added the City boss.
City lost on penalties to Real Madrid on Wednesday after the teams were locked 4-4 on aggregate after extra time.
Guardiola’s argument is that the other FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Coventry, who are not in European competition, should have been switched to Saturday to allow his players an extra day to recover.
“It’s unacceptable to let us play today,” he told BBC Sport. “It’s impossible, for the health of the players. It’s not normal.
“One hundred and twenty minutes, the emotions of Madrid, the way we lose, honestly. I know this country is special [with the FA Cup] but it’s for the health of the players.”
Guardiola was animated after full-time on Saturday, hugging his players on the pitch and waving his arms in the air towards City’s supporters.
Later, in his news conference, Guardiola continued with his criticism – describing the domestic and international calendar as “unsustainable”.
City’s next match is on Thursday, when they play at Brighton in the Premier League (20:00 BST).
“I just want to protect my players. It’s common sense. I’m not asking for something special or privilege,” Guardiola said.
BBC
F.A
April 21, 2024
Tags: Pep Guardiola
