An irate Pep Guardiola has pointed the finger directly at the Premier League's fixture schedulers following Manchester City's surprising 2-1 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers, issuing a stark warning that his team's quest for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title is under serious threat.
The City boss unleashed a tirade against what he perceives as an unjust schedule, highlighting the minimal recovery time afforded to his players after a demanding midweek Champions League victory in Germany. Guardiola's men had to navigate a difficult away trip to RB Leipzig before facing a well-rested Wolves side at Molineux.
Guardiola's Fixture Frustration Boils Over
'It's impossible! We had less recovery time, it's unacceptable,' Guardiola fumed in his post-match interview. He didn't mince his words, explicitly blaming the league's organisation for his team's sluggish performance. 'I know it's not an excuse, but do you think we don't have feelings? We play after other teams have had a whole week to prepare. We are defending something unique, four Premier Leagues in a row, and no one helps us.'
The Catalan manager's frustration was palpable as he contrasted his team's gruelling calendar with that of their rivals, suggesting a clear and unfair disadvantage that could ultimately cost them the championship.
Wolves Capitalise on City Fatigue
On the pitch, Guardiola's concerns manifested in a uncharacteristically vulnerable City performance. Despite taking an early lead through a sublime Julian Alvarez free-kick, the champions were pegged back before half-time. Wolves' dynamic Hwang Hee-chan drew the home side level, capitalising on a moment of defensive uncertainty.
The winner came from a devastating counter-attack, finished expertly by Wolves midfielder Matheus Cunha. The result leaves City trailing league leaders Tottenham Hotspur, albeit with a game in hand, but the psychological blow of a first domestic defeat may be more significant.
A Stern Test Against Brighton Awaits
With no time to dwell, the champions must now regroup for another challenging fixture against a high-pressing Brighton & Hove Albion side. Guardiola emphasised the immense difficulty of the task ahead, given his squad's physical and mental fatigue.
This defeat and Guardiola's explosive comments have ignited a fresh debate about player welfare and the competitive balance of the Premier League fixture list, throwing a major spotlight on the league's scheduling decisions as the title race heats up.
