Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has openly criticized the scheduling of matches, labeling it as “unacceptable” and raising concerns over player health. In a recent outburst, Guardiola expressed his dismay over the decision to play a game shortly after his team had been involved in a match that extended to 120 minutes.
Guardiola’s Concerns
Guardiola’s frustration stemmed from the quick turnaround between matches, which he believes poses a significant risk to the players’ well-being. “It’s unacceptable to play today. It’s unacceptable. It’s not normal. For the health of the players, after 120 minutes… it’s unacceptable,” he stated. The Manchester City boss further added, “I don’t understand how we survived today”.
Despite his strong words, Guardiola seemed resigned to the fact that his concerns would likely go unaddressed. “Nothing is gonna change. Nothing. Why today and not another day?” he questioned, highlighting a sense of inevitability about the situation.
As the manager of Manchester City, Guardiola’s primary focus is on the welfare of his players and the team’s performance. His recent comments shed light on the broader issue of match scheduling in football and its impact on player health.