Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his discontent with the Football Association’s decision to schedule the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. This choice means that City will have one less day to recover from their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, which takes place at the Etihad on the preceding Wednesday. Guardiola questioned the reasoning behind always playing FA Cup matches on Saturdays and how it impacts the team, especially with injured players and the heavy fixture schedule.
Furthermore, Guardiola highlighted the disparity in preparation time between City and Real Madrid. While the Spanish team will have nine days to prepare for the first leg at the Bernabeu, City will have to navigate through three games in the interim period. This demanding schedule puts City’s chances of achieving a treble at risk, with seven games scheduled over the next 21 days and minimal rest between fixtures.
The team’s participation in multiple competitions leaves little room for respite, despite potential solutions such as rescheduling midweek fixtures. The strain of constant games also raises concerns about player injuries, with key players like Kyle Walker and John Stones already sidelined. The lack of rest increases the likelihood of fatigue and muscular injuries, necessitating careful management of the squad to distribute playing time and prevent further fitness issues.
Guardiola’s frustration reflects the challenging circumstances faced by City as they strive for success in multiple competitions. The team must navigate a grueling schedule while balancing the risk of injuries and managing player fatigue to maintain their competitive edge in crucial matches.
