Guardiola Baffled by Man City Schedule

Pep Guardiola has expressed his confusion regarding the scheduling of Manchester City’s fixtures, but is beyond fighting against it. On Sunday, the Premier League leaders will face Everton at Goodison Park, just 72 hours before their second leg Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. Real are in La Liga action against Getafe on Saturday and therefore have an extra day’s rest. Guardiola stated that one of the issues that meant their trip to Everton was being played on Sunday was that Liverpool is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday. He said, “In the end, we can’t play Saturday because of Eurovision or something like that in Liverpool and we don’t have enough bodies to handle two important events sometimes. I can’t understand it but I’m not going to fight it any more. OK, you have to adapt. What can I do? We’d prefer to play Saturday to be able to prepare but it is what it is.” Sunday’s match is crucial for both teams, with City looking to maintain their lead over Arsenal at the top and 17th-placed Everton battling to avoid relegation. Guardiola insists that the focus is firmly on facing Sean Dyche’s Toffees, and after Everton, City’s last league fixtures will see them take on Chelsea at home and Brighton away before ending the season at their west London neighbours Brentford. Though City have a game in hand, Arsenal are just one point behind Guardiola’s side at the top of the table. Guardiola believes the Gunners will “definitely” win their remaining matches, but he is adamant that his team must not rely on others’ results. He said, “There are four games left in the Premier League and it’s really important to be there and keep our destiny in our hands.”