Man City legend doesn’t ‘feel sorry’ for Pep Guardiola after decision he made against Arsenal
Pep Guardiola will not get any sympathy on a major decision he made in Man City’s 1-1 draw at Arsenal.
Erling Haaland’s opener wowed Gary Neville as Man City took the lead in under ten minutes at Emirates Stadium.
However, Pep Guardiola’s change in approach against Arsenal during the second half did not pay off as Gabriel Martinelli grabbed a 93rd-minute equaliser for the Gunners.
The result leaves Man City eight points behind leaders Liverpool after five matches of the season.
Pep Guardiola says ‘the schedule has an effect’ after Arsenal draw
Before the match, Arsenal were already at an advantage over Man City as the Gunners had 48 hours longer to prepare for the fixture.
Arsenal played their Champions League tie against Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday, whilst Man City hosted Napoli on the Thursday, and Guardiola opted to make no changes from the starting XI.
Speaking to Sky Sports [21 September] after the game Guardiola suggested that the tight schedule and limited recovery played a part in his sides performance.
“So sometimes people don’t realise motivation, even so emotional. After that recovery day, they also had to wait for five hours,” Guardiola said.
“But really, you know, you live in London after privilege, but the people who live in the north east, don’t have four or five hours to ride here in London and everything like they fought the last two Premier League games to win it and the Champions League. So tough.
“We had to be so strong in terms of mentality. Of course, the schedule has an effect.
“Your mindset has to be strong. You know how many injuries we have and players come back from the national team for a long time. We have Cherki, we have Ait-Nouri.
“A lot of players, maybe you forget the rhythm is always easier in this kind of position. In the case that we have, we don’t have it.
“Many things can happen but if you want to bring that our complaint is the schedule – then okay.”
Guardiola was without stars like Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Mateo Kovacic, Omar Marmoush and Kalvin Phillips through injury, but there was still enough talent to bring off the bench.
Joe Hart says Guardiola has to own selection decision
Joe Hart speaking to the Premier League, [21 September], believes Guardiola’s decision not to make changes to his starting XI may have cost Man City all three points.
“I’m not going to feel sorry for them for feeling tired,” Hart said.
“They’ve had a great summer transfer window, they’ve got an incredible squad.
“The fact that Guardiola has chosen to play the same team for the last three matches is on him.
“I thought the team looked absolutely shattered by the end of it.”
Man City only have a three day rest before their next match away at Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup, but Guardiola will be able to rotate his squad and is expected to make changes for the tie.