Man City boss Pep Guardiola slams Premier League over tight scheduling

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticised the Premier League for scheduling his side’s penultimate fixture of the season just 72 hours after their FA Cup final clash against Crystal Palace.

The Spaniard expressed concern over the tight turnaround amid a fierce battle for Champions League qualification.

City, currently sixth in the table, have a game in hand over Chelsea and Aston Villa, who sit fourth and fifth respectively, both just a point ahead of the reigning champions.

All three clubs are vying for a top-five finish, which would secure a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Man City are set to face 10th-placed Bournemouth on Tuesday.

The Cherries still have a slim chance of finishing eighth, which could grant them a spot in the UEFA Conference League playoff round, provided City go on to lift the FA Cup.

“We have been fighting against these situations for nine years, every single season and nothing goes,” Guardiola said.

“We are going to play Tuesday night against one of the most intense and physical and direct and powerful teams in the Premier League, Bournemouth, who are playing for the Europa League or Conference qualification. It will be tough.”

Guardiola highlighted the Premier League’s decision to reschedule Tottenham’s visit to Aston Villa from Sunday to Friday, giving Spurs extra time to prepare for Wednesday’s Europa League final against Manchester United.

City, currently sixth in the table, have a game in hand over Chelsea and Aston Villa

“The Premier League made a good decision, very good. We played all the time on Wednesday and (then) we play on Saturday…we didn’t need that day extra,” he added.

“People say (the schedule) is for broadcasters, more fans or followers and other things. The previous year they had more followers on the other game, not our game. They are tired of seeing us.”