Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has reiterated that nothing managers say will make a difference to fixture scheduling and those that cannot take it should 'go to the Maldives'.
Jurgen Klopp has been vocal in his frustration at the fact Liverpool take on Newcastle United in the 12:30pm kick off on Saturday, despite having played in the Champions League against Villarreal on Wednesday night. The Liverpool boss has hit out at broadcasters and the Premier League on numerous occasions and says no other league in the world would impose such a gruelling schedule.
City, too, have had to navigate similar problems this season with quick turn arounds between their Champions League quarter-final clashes against Atletico Madrid and the games against Liverpool in the league and FA Cup. Guardiola says 'nothing will change' and it's a waste of time to keep asking managers about such problems.
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When asked about Klopp's complaints, the City boss said with a smile: “Always I sympathise about the concerns of Liverpool. How many times have we discussed about what's happened to us and I've said I don't want to talk about that? Nothing is going to change.
“It's not going to change because the broadcasters are thinking about what they have to do to get more viewers. It's not about what the players need or what the teams need. Of course I understand it but what can I say? We are not going to solve the problem, I've said many times. Sir Alex Ferguson was the most important icon in the history of English football and he was complaining when he was a teenager.
“Nothing is going to change so don't ask me. With these questions, stop asking the managers. Go to the Premier League, the broadcasters, and ask the reason why. As a manager, we want the best for our players. We are focused on the players, concerned about the players and their recovery to make three or four competitions. Don't ask me again these questions because it wastes time. Nothing is going to change.”
Guardiola's side face a kinder schedule surrounding their Champions League semi-final matches against Real Madrid, the first leg took place on Tuesday and they play in a later 3pm kick off on Saturday. They'll then be afforded extra rest as the second leg at the Bernabeu takes place on Wednesday night, while Liverpool will be back in action against Villarreal on Tuesday.
Guardiola added: “We played in Madrid against Atletico and three days later we played at Wembley in an FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool. Chelsea played Tuesday and could have played on Saturday but played on Sunday. Do you think they think about that? No, because the next Tuesday, Liverpool play against United.
"Everyone has their own business to defend. We adapt. If they say play Saturday, we play Saturday. If they say play Tuesday, we play Tuesday. Thursday? We are going to play Thursday. Whatever they want, no problem. If I'm not satisfied I go home and don't be manager of Man City.
"I go to another league in the Maldives, the Maldives League, and play one game a week and I'm so comfortable under the coconuts and it would be so perfect. But it's not the case. You are playing at 12.30pm, I'm sorry Liverpool but I'm not involved with that.”
