Manchester City's Pep Guardiola expressed frustration and concern over the scheduling of their FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea just three days after their taxing Champions League exit. He criticized the Football Association and broadcasters for not providing City with an extra day of rest after their midweek loss to Real Madrid, arguing that the quick turnaround posed serious risks to the players' health and performance.
Despite their fatigue, City managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley, with Bernardo Silva scoring the decisive goal in the 84th minute. Guardiola highlighted the physical and emotional toll on his players, some of whom were carrying injuries, and emphasized the challenge of preparing for such a crucial match with limited recovery time.
Guardiola's impassioned remarks reflected his commitment to protecting his players and advocating for their well-being in the face of demanding schedules. He lamented the lack of consideration from governing bodies and expressed doubt that his concerns would be addressed, indicating his reluctance to engage in discussions with the Premier League and FA.
While City celebrated their advancement to the FA Cup final and continued pursuit of a historic quadruple, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino faced disappointment over his team's missed opportunities and lack of clinical finishing. Despite the setback, Pochettino acknowledged the need for improvement and vowed to assess the team's performance to bridge the gap with top contenders like Manchester City in the future.
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