Pep Guardiola slams Newcastle United decision amid major Premier League debate

Pep Guardiola has slammed the decision to schedule Newcastle United’s visit to Manchester City just days after their UEFA Super Cup clash in Athens.

The Magpies travel to the Etihad for a Saturday 8pm kick-off, the weekend after next. And while the timing has angered Newcastle fans due to the awkward travel arrangements required, it’s upset Spaniard Guardiola for very different reasons.

Treble-winning Guardiola thinks it’s a big ask for his players to take on Sevilla just three days before Eddie Howe & Co arrive in Manchester.

“We finish an incredibly stressful season, the players went to their national teams and had maybe not even three weeks [off],” he said, in the aftermath of his side’s Charity Shield defeat to Arsenal.

“We came back and trained a little in Manchester then trained to Asia and could not train there because it is impossible to train there.

“We played a decent game against Bayern and the other two matches, and after in a few days I saw incredible I saw that the guys are still here so we cannot complain. We have to recover well and prepare well [for] the game against Burnley and then travel to Athens to play at 10pm, finish at 2, then come back on Friday and after - thank you! - play on Saturday against Newcastle at home.

“This is my plan - not winning or losing.”

Match congestion, as well as the stopping of the clock in games and increased added time has come under the microscope in recent days, with the likes of City hero Kevin De Bruyne and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane coming out in criticism of such moves.

Varane said: “We had a meeting last week with the FA. They recommended from the referees new decisions and rules.

“From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being.

“Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players.

“We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?

“As a player I feel very privileged to do the job I love every day but I feel these changes are damaging our game. We want to be at our maximum level, the best we can be and put on amazing performances for fans to celebrate every week.

“I believe it is important that we, players and managers, highlight these important issues as we want to protect the game we love and give the fans our best.”