Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed frustration over a late Premier League kickoff against Newcastle, which he claims significantly reduces his squad’s recovery time before facing Real Madrid in Europe.
Pep Guardiola has raised concerns about Manchester City’s grueling schedule following a late 8:00 p.m. Saturday kickoff against Newcastle.
The Spaniard noted that while staying home on Friday helps logistically, it shortens vital preparation for the Santiago Bernabéu.
Guardiola warned, “The disadvantage is that we’ll have less recovery time before the Real Madrid game,” as his squad balances domestic and continental ambitions.
City will train at their own complex before flying to Spain on Tuesday for the Champions League first leg.
With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, Guardiola emphasized the necessity of squad rotation to maintain performance levels.
He admitted, “We have a lot of games in a very short period of time. A lot of travel, the fatigue is there,” highlighting the physical toll on his players.
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