Pep Guardiola has downplayed Manchester City's frustrations over fixture rescheduling during their domestic treble push. The Premier League leaders face a hectic end to the campaign after games against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth were moved to dates either side of their FA Cup final against Chelsea.
Fixture Changes and Reaction
The matches required rescheduling due to City's progress in both domestic cups, but the new calendar means they must play three times in seven days from May 13-19. Their season then concludes with a visit from Aston Villa on May 24. City were displeased when the fixtures were confirmed this week, particularly feeling the Palace game, originally slated for March, could have been rearranged earlier. However, Guardiola has accepted the situation.
“It is what it is,” he said at a press conference on Friday. “When we won the treble and quadruple we always had this kind of calendar. Of course it could be better but I’ve never expected (help). We’ll do that and go game by game. The broadcasters, Premier League, whoever, decides. We will be there with 11 players plus people on the bench.”
Title Race Perspective
Guardiola appeared relaxed as he spoke to the media, suggesting he is not feeling the pressure of the title race. City trail Premier League leaders Arsenal by three points but have a game in hand, with five matches left compared to the Gunners' four. The gap could have grown to six points by the time City play at Everton on Monday night, but Guardiola insists that does not bother him.
“It’s normal, it’s the calendar. Sometimes you play first, sometimes behind. It is what it is and nothing changes at this stage – you know exactly what you have to do,” he said.
So laid-back was Guardiola that he claimed he did not even know when Arsenal were next playing when asked if he would be watching their game against Fulham on Saturday evening. “What time do they play? It’s after a training session, so maybe I will watch it,” he said.
Personal Time and John Stones Departure
Guardiola gave his players a few days off earlier this week, and he used some of his free time to attend Stockport versus Port Vale in League One. He joked: “The day before I saw the calendar, the PSG-Bayern game, and I said, ‘What a disaster game, the managers are not good, really s*** players!’ I am in love with English football and I went to see Stockport.”
Defender John Stones announced this week he would leave City at the end of the season after 10 years at the club, having won six Premier League titles and the Champions League. Guardiola said: “He was the best player by far in the final in Istanbul. That shows his huge personality. Like with Bernardo (Silva), part of ourselves is leaving. His contribution has been massive. He’s an incredible person on and off the pitch.”
