Pep Guardiola has played down concerns Manchester City’s fixture list could hamper their title bid.
The Premier League this week confirmed the schedule for the run-in and went against City’s request for some alterations. According to reports, they were eager to face Bournemouth on May 12 and Palace on May 19, a scenario that would have given them more time to prepare for the FA Cup final and ensure their final two league games were at the Etihad.
But the league instructed them to play Palace on May 13 and Bournemouth on May 19, either side of their Wembley date against Chelsea, leaving Guardiola’s team with four games in 11 days.
Asked about it prior to their trip to Everton on Monday, the Catalan insisted it wasn’t an issue and also pointed out Arsenal’s participation in the Champions League semi-finals means their calendar is equally congested.
He said: ”It is what it is. Arsenal are in the Champions League semi-final, so it is what it is. When we won the treble, we had a similar calendar, but I learned a long time ago not to expect anything different. We have to adapt and take it game by game.
“If you don’t like it, go and train in France or Portugal. I like being here, and I’ve said many times – when I was at Barcelona and saw managers here complain about the schedule – it has always been like this. So I never expected anything different.”
Guardiola expects a tough test for Manchester City at Everton
City can’t afford any slip-ups on Merseyside on Bank Holiday Monday with Arsenal having the chance to move six points clear, albeit having played two games more, when they take on Fulham tomorrow.
It will be their first visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium and Guardiola is not expecting an easy game against an Everton side chasing a place in Europe.
“Difficult opponents – they always have been,” he added. “It will be weird because the old Everton stadium was so cool and nice, very British. I loved going there, but I’m looking forward to the new stadium.
“They defend really well. David Moyes knows exactly what to do. The game we played at the Etihad was decided by two or three actions, but at that moment we weren’t good. We’re better now, and hopefully we can use what we are playing for to win, win, win.”
Guardiola hails Stones as defender prepares to exit Manchester City
It will be a return to Everton for John Stones, who this week announced he will leave City when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Guardiola said of the central defender, who has won 16 major trophies over 10 years with the club: ”He was one of my first signings. I remember travelling to London to meet him at my brother’s house for the first time. He was young, and there are very few players who can understand what we, as a club, have done in this period together.
“He was by far the best player in the Champions League final in Istanbul [in 2023]. He’s a huge personality, and now he feels fit, he can hopefully find the rhythm physically to be ready. He is an incredible person, on and off the pitch.”
City may have Rodri back on Monday if he comes through training over the next couple of days. Ruben Dias won’t be fit, however, and neither will Josko Gvardiol.
