Guardiola angry at FA for Douglas snub

Pep Guardiola has hit out at the Football Association after Manchester City were left frustrated by the refusal to grant Douglas Luiz a work permit just three hours before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

The City manager claimed the FA decision could have been taken two weeks ago – which would have allowed the club to step up their efforts to sign another midfielder.

The 20-year-old Brazilian, who signed from Vasco da Gama last year, had been identified by Guardiola as being able to provide midfield cover for Fernandinho.

Guardiola and Brazil coach Tite sent detailed videos to the FA explaining why Luiz would be important – with Guardiola even offering to make a personal appearance at the permit hearing. The FA turned down the application. Luiz, who spent last season on loan at Girona, will now have to go abroad again.

“He’s not allowed to play in England,” Guardiola said. “So, we are going to try to help him to be on loan again and try to get the work permit. It’s difficult for me to understand, for one guy who doesn’t see the player and is not every day in the training session he has to judge.

“He has ability, quality to play and we decide he can play. I accept the rules but I don’t understand, anyone in the world can work where he wants. The national manager for Brazil [Tite] and myself, we know more than the guys who decide he is not able to play.

“I’m so sad and disappointed for Douglas because he could have played, he could have helped us. He’s shown many, many good things in pre-season.

“They [the FA] didn’t know him, not one game or training session. I don’t understand but we’re in England and you have to accept it. I’d have preferred it was announced 10 days ago, if they are the rules, as we could have decided what we can do. But it was one day before.”

Guardiola confirmed both Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, who returned to training only this week, were available to start tomorrow’s Premier League match at Arsenal. “They are available. They arrive quite well. Three weeks off after World Cup is not much time.”