“It’s been absolutely absurd” - Manchester City superstar slams ‘crazy’ schedule to highlight problems with fixture pile up
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has slammed the FA for a tight schedule, which has led to a fixture pile-up for the players. City will have to play two matches in three days, which includes a high-stakes Premier League match against Arsenal.
Silva highlighted how Manchester City playing three matches in eight days was already hectic, which becomes even tighter with two matches in three days. Talking about the scheduling, he told Portuguese outlet Record (via Manchester Evening News):
"I think there are two completely different issues here. When the players complain, people say that players can't complain about the life they have. And they're right because we're fulfilling a dream and we do what we do. On the other hand, the schedule is completely crazy. We've just received the news that we only have one day off for the English League Cup game. We play Arsenal, we rest for a day and then we have the game against Watford."
"And if we don't get knocked out of any other competition, we'll play every three days for months. It's been absolutely absurd. In the Champions League, if you don't qualify for the round of 16 you still have to play two more games. It's true that the squads are bigger, but I'm not going to say that it's easy. It hasn't been easy. I spend very little time with my family and friends. The amount of games we're subjected to is absolutely absurd," he added.
Manchester City face Arsenal in the league on September 22 before taking on Watford on September 24 in the Carabao Cup. The Cityzens will then face Newcastle United on September 28.
Notably, Pep Guardiola's side also have a UEFA Champions League clash with Inter Milan on September 18.
Pep Guardiola questioned Manchester City's tight schedule last season
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was also unhappy with his side's scheduling last season. City had played their FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea just three days after facing Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
The manager highlighted that his players were not getting enough rest and told the media (via Standard):
“It's for the health of the players. I don't understand how we survived today. People cannot imagine what a punch in the face to be out of the Champions League in the way we are out. Why not give us one more day to arrive on Sunday because Coventry and United didn't play in midweek. For broadcasters? Ok."
Manchester City went on to win the Premier League but couldn't win the Champions League and the FA Cup.