Guardiola frustrated by Man City schedule

By Ihesiulo Grace

30 November 2016

Sports

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City’s busy fixture schedule highlights why English clubs are struggling to make an impact in the Champions League.

City battled to a 2-1 victory over Burnley in Saturday’s early kick-off having played away to Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Guardiola knows there is nothing he can do about the problem, but suggested it was putting Premier League sides at a major disadvantage in Europe.

“What happened to English teams in the last decade is England’s problem – you have to analyse, not me,” the City boss told reporters.

“Burnley are here one week, working, planning mentally for this game. You have hours – after the European game you cannot speak about Burnley, you have to rest their minds.

“We are not the only ones, it happens to all teams. I’m not a guy who complains so much, believe me. It’s happened… what can I do? Call the federation? No. They are going to change? No.

“They put 12.30 [kick-off] so we have to be here, play at 12.30 and if you lose congratulations Burnley and keep going.”

City host Chelsea in a huge league clash on Saturday and Guardiola is thrilled his team are within touching distance of the Blues despite having had the burden of playing in Europe.