Pep Guardiola responds to Premier League rejecting Man City request - and hits out at FIFA
Pep Guardiola was less than impressed with the Premier League rejecting Manchester City's request for next season as he also hit out at FIFA ahead of the Club World Cup
by Samuel Meade · The MirrorPep Guardiola has issued a sarcastic "thank you" to the Premier League after they chose to ignore Manchester City's request for a delay start to next season.
The champions will take part in a revamped FIFA Club World Cup next summer, which will span four weeks and be held in the United States of America. Beginning in June, it doesn't finish until July 13. The Premier League is then poised to restart in less than four weeks after that.
There is no exact date yet set but it will be slightly earlier than normal due to the World Cup the following summer. Players are allowed three week breaks but Guardiola is concerned that their reduced rest will leave him either without key men or players who are fatigued.
The Premier League's decision is only set to increase the tension between them and the Manchester outfit as they currently hear the finding of the 115 charges against them. Guardiola said: "The club asked the Premier League to postpone it, to have more holiday, but it's absolutely not allowed. The Premier League said no. Thank you so much! I don't have the answer. I think we take a decision with common sense!"
The Catalan has also hit out at FIFA, who stated that clubs must bring their top stars to the Club World Cup amid fears the tournament could be diluted if major names are rested. Guardiola though maintained he will not be told who he can and can't use. He claimed: "Which are the strongest players? I don't understand how the selection of a player makes him 'stronger' than the other ones. I know. I'm not going to be told before games which players are going to play. I will decide, for sure."
City linchpin Rodri had been among the most vocal in calling for less games and more rest for players. That was shortly before an ACL injury ended his season just weeks into the current campaign. The Spaniard had threatened strike action with Kevin De Bruyne too vocal about the amount of games.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti had also been against the Club World Cup when questioned but the Spanish side put out a statement backtracking on such comments. The Italian had told Il Giornale: “Players and clubs will not participate in that tournament. A single Real Madrid match is worth 20 million [euros] and FIFA wants to give us that amount for the entire cup. Like us, other clubs will refuse the invitation.”
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