Guardiola Calls for Players to Lead Push for Fairer Match Schedules Amid Busy Fixture List
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola emphasized on Friday that any push for a more favorable match schedule must come from the players themselves. His comments come ahead of the highly anticipated clash with Arsenal on Sunday, amidst a demanding period that has seen the reigning Premier League champions play seven games in just three weeks.
Guardiola's remarks follow recent concerns voiced by his midfielder Rodri, who suggested that players may be nearing the point of considering strike action due to the increased workload they are facing.
“There’s been a lot of discussion around this issue,” Guardiola acknowledged during his press conference. “But if real change is to happen, it needs to be driven by the players. The sport can go on without managers, sporting directors, or even the media, but it simply cannot exist without the players.”
Rodri’s concerns are not isolated, Guardiola noted, as numerous players, both in the Premier League and around the globe, have raised similar concerns about the unsustainable pace of modern football. "It’s a conversation that’s getting louder, and it’s not just here in England but worldwide. Let’s see what happens."
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When asked about the availability of Kevin De Bruyne for Sunday’s encounter, Guardiola remained uncertain. De Bruyne, who limped off during City’s 0-0 draw with Inter Milan in the Champions League midweek, may or may not feature in the Arsenal game.
“He's feeling a bit better today,” Guardiola shared. “We’ll see after tomorrow’s training session. It’s possible he could be involved.”
Sunday’s showdown is poised to be a thrilling contest between two unbeaten sides, with City leading the table after four games as the only team to boast a 100% record. Arsenal, last season’s runner-up, trail by just two points, having also enjoyed a strong start.
“Every year they improve,” Guardiola said of Arsenal. “Their squad depth is better, and they’re more competitive with each passing season.”
When asked about Arsenal’s evolution under manager Mikel Arteta, a former colleague of Guardiola's, the City boss was cautious with his words to avoid sparking any talk of mind games.
“People might say I’m trying to play mind games, so I’ll leave that to them,” he joked. “I’ve always held Arteta and his team in high regard. It’s been tight between us for the last two seasons, and I expect the same this time.”
City currently sit atop the Premier League with 12 points, two ahead of Arsenal, but Guardiola downplayed the significance of Sunday’s clash in the context of the title race.
“It’s too early to make it a decisive match,” he said. “The real importance will be when we face them again in London later in the season.”
The rematch is set for February 1, a game that could carry more weight in determining the eventual Premier League champions.