Pep Guardiola Criticizes FA Cup Schedule After Manchester City’s Win Over Chelsea

Following Manchester City’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea to secure a spot in the FA Cup final, manager Pep Guardiola criticized the FA Cup schedule. This came just three days after their hopes of a treble were dashed by a defeat on penalties to Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Bernardo Silva’s late goal secured Manchester City’s victory, helping them secure a spot in the FA Cup final. Despite City’s luck playing a role in the win, Chelsea’s inability to convert the numerous chances they created ultimately proved costly.

Missing a fatigued Erling Haaland, City lacked their typical energy. Despite reaching another final, Guardiola was visibly by his team’s insufficient recovery time following the disappointment of their midweek Champions League exit.

Guardiola said, “People can’t understand the punch in our face to be out of the Champions League”. “It’s unacceptable to let us play today,” It’s impossible, for the health of the players. It’s not normal. It’s unacceptable. 120 minutes, the emotions of Madrid, the way we lose, honestly. I know this country is special (with the FA Cup) but it’s for the health of the players. I don’t understand how we survived today.”

Guardiola was baffled as to why City’s match against Chelsea was not scheduled for Sunday, especially considering that Manchester United’s semi-final clash with second-tier Coventry City took place instead. Neither Manchester United nor Coventry City had played a midweek match, adding to Guardiola’s confusion about the scheduling decision.

“The only power I have I say here. Why don’t we play tomorrow? Chelsea, Manchester United, Coventry didn’t play midweek,” Guardiola said. “For the broadcasters… ok, don’t ask me to do extra things after the game because I am not going to do it”.

He continued, “Mentally so tough to recover. Rodri, the way he played today, Kyle (Walker), who was injured for a few weeks, I don’t understand how they survived. We want to play football, we love to play football, but it’s too much. We defend our trophy. We’ll be here.”

The defeat to Real Madrid dashed City’s hopes of achieving a second consecutive treble. However, they remain in contention for a potential Premier League/FA Cup double.