Pep becomes the latest player to join the ever growing pile of managers and players to berate the vigorous slate of encounters.
Whilst the November-January period in the Premier League has traditionally been one of the most testing and gruelling period in the footballing fraternity, this season has become even more difficult for clubs owing to COVID. The late start to the new season paired with an incessant need to navigate the shortened season in time has seen clubs partake in three matches every week.
Its had a clear arduous toll on players with a string of clubs finding themselves riddled with injuries. Jurgen Klopp has been the most vocal of managers against the schedule with the Liverpool man persistently voicing his clear displeasure at the FA and broadcasters.
Guardiola Becomes The Latest Manager To Lament The Rigorous Schedule
His compatriot, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola has lent support to him now. The City manager said that players were falling out of love with the game owing to the tedious set of encounters after his side’s 5-0 schooling of Burnley.
“The problem is the players lose the joy of playing football,” Guardiola said when asked if his side planned to celebrate Saturday’s 5-0 win over Burnley.
“Before it was nice playing once or twice a week with spectators. Now it’s three days and then another one. We will travel to Porto to win, then prepare against Fulham.”
“It’s not about rotation now,” he added. “The players who don’t make mistakes – like John Stones in defence – deserve to play more games.
“The goals today helps us, of course – especially for Riyad Mahrez. Gabriel Jesus has to score goals. Sterling when he plays has to score. They have to score more goals. That is why they are here. It depends on the player, their performance on the pitch.”
City who played Burnley on Saturday will next embark on their Champions League travails in the upcoming week before returning to the Premier League next weekend.
