Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has once again expressed his frustration over the congested fixture schedule, highlighting the toll it takes on players. Manchester City faces a demanding run of games, with two matches scheduled just two days apart.
City will play a crucial Premier League match against Arsenal on September 22, followed by a Carabao Cup tie against Watford on September 24.
Guardiola has been vocal in his criticism of fixture congestion in the past, and this time is no different. The Manchester City boss didn’t hold back, describing how the tight scheduling is “absolutely destroying” his players.
“We were absolutely destroyed [vs Chelsea last season],” Guardiola stated as quoted by Goal.com, recalling a similar scenario. “Why not give me one more day? Why not? That is why I said next season it will happen the same. When they decide, they will not think about it.”
The scheduling clash between Manchester United’s Europa League game and City’s Carabao Cup tie forced local authorities to prohibit both games from happening on the same night. Despite being given the option to play away at Watford, Guardiola declined, opting to stay at the Etihad Stadium.
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This is not a product: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola
The Manchester City boss’ concerns go beyond this one instance. He has consistently emphasized that fixture congestion overlooks player welfare, saying that decisions are made with broadcasters and ratings in mind, rather than the health of the players.
“The broadcasters said no because it was more audience,” Guardiola explained, referring to a previous clash in which his team had to play Chelsea shortly after a Champions League quarterfinal. “This is not a product. This is my club. These are my players.”
Looking ahead to City’s match against Brentford, Guardiola admitted his team’s preparations are often reduced to light training during such hectic weeks. “When you are fresh, it is much better… the schedule is terrible,” he acknowledged, adding that his primary focus in these situations is to help his players conserve energy for the next game.
