Pep left in cold
Jesus urges Pep’s men to bounce straight back
THREE top bosses have hit out at the crazy Christmas schedule.
Pep Guardiola claims the only way he will be able to negotiate Manchester City’s festive fixtures is by putting his players in cold storage.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp agrees his title rivals have every right to be furious with the timetable while Wolves chief Nuno
GINI WIJNALDUM believes that Liverpool could be the new Invincibles and stay unbeaten for the whole Premier League campaign.
Arsenal went through an entire top flight season unbeaten in 2003-04 – and the Kop kings could copy them.
Jurgen Klopp’s men are one win away from equalling the English top flight record of 18 consecutive victories.
Midfielder Wijnaldum admits they could remain unbeaten, saying: “It is possible. Nobody knows how it’s going to be. We have had some luck up to now but
Espirito Santo says the prospect of a 45-hour break between games against City and Liverpool threatens the welfare of his players.
City travel to Wolves on December 27 for a 7.45pm kick-off then host Sheffield United (6pm) two days later.
Fuming Guardiola said: “Put the players to the fridge. I’m not joking. Go home, open the fridge, and get inside for 48 hours. Then see you at the Etihad Stadium.
“When I open the fridge to make an omelette, maybe I can talk with my players. But apart from that, no way.
“It happened in my first season here. We played on December 31 at Anfield and then at home against Burnley two days later.
“It is what it is. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s not. I’m concerned for the players.”
After their Boxing Day game against City, Wolves go to Anfield on December 29 (4.30pm) before a trip to Watford on New Year’s Day.
Boss Santo said: “They have to go and compete and we will compete, of course. But it’s tough, dangerous.
“It’s absurd, ridiculous. We are the team that have more games already – the busiest team in all competitions, then we have to face this schedule of two games in 45 hours.
“Nobody can understand it, I would like to have someone explain to me why. But I keep coming to the same conclusion – it’s absurd.”
Klopp said: “I am completely on City’s side that these games where they have 46 hours between, they should not happen.
“There are excuses, they (the TV companies) pay a lot of money, that is true. But we still have to work on these things.”
GABRIEL JESUS has urged Manchester City to stop sulking and fight their way back into the title race.
The Premier League champions have been left licking their wounds during the international break following their shock home defeat to Wolves.
It was the second loss of the season for Pep Guardiola’s side, who now find themselves trailing runaway league leaders Liverpool by eight points at the top of the table.
City travel to Crystal Palace today to face the side that beat them at the Etihad last season – and despite knowing it will be a tough test, Jesus wants his side to bounce back.
The Brazil international said: “Playing against Crystal Palace is always difficult, no matter if we won in our last game at Selhurst Park or not.
“It was a very difficult game last season as usual. We are going to prepare for the game the best we can to try to give a good performance and win.
“Last season, we lost our game against them at home and we won away. You can see how curious football is.
“No matter what our injuries are, I think we can win there, but I’m sure it’s going to be a very difficult game.
“I don’t think it’s a matter of the team relaxing. We have a few players injured, very important players for us.
“Obviously, their absence take its toll on the team.
“It happened, we lost two games. We are aware that it’s part of football and defeats are going to happen. But we will pick ourselves up and carry on working.”
Jesus, 22, has scored four goals in nine appearances this season and believes he is is going to more mature now he is in campaign in English football.
He added: “The assessment of my season is good. I have been playing frequently. I don’t look much if my numbers are good or bad but the way I have been playing makes me really happy.
“Obviously, one of my duties is scoring goals, the number of goals are important for a striker, but I’m very happy overall with my performances.
“On the pitch, I’m more mature, more experienced, with and without the ball.
“I’m more calm, I understand the game more and I understand our style better.
“Also, my skills have improved since arrived. I’m better with my left foot, with headers, with my position on the pitch. Off the pitch,
I have always been very mature, very responsible.
“I have grown up as a person and
I want to keep getting better.
“I have always been very attached to my family but now I’m even more so. I think I have improved in both areas, on and off the pitch.” his third
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