Guardiola in a rage over fixture schedule

PEP GUARDIOLA launched into an extraordinary rant at the BBC after Manchester City kept alive their hopes of a Double at Wembley.

Midfield talisman Bernardo Silva’s late winner against Chelsea saw the defending FA Cup winners squeeze into next month’s final where they will face either local rivals Manchester United or Coventry City, who face off in the other semi-final this afternoon.

But Guardiola was incensed afterwards, taking aim at broadcasters and the authorities by claiming they are damaging the health of players and that he is powerless to force change.

Guardiola was fuming at the 66-hour gap between Wednesday’s Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid and this semi-final against Chelsea.

‘It’s unacceptable,’ the City boss said. ‘Because I’ve won I have the courage to tell you. For the health of the players, it’s not normal. I don’t understand how we survived today.

‘Why play today and not tomorrow, when Coventry, Chelsea, and United didn’t play in the midweek? Why not have one more day for the health of the players? Tell me how you prepare this final against Chelsea in the best moment of the season. How? It’s impossible. There’s no chance.’

Guardiola sarcastically added: ‘Honestly, I know in this country it’s special for many things.’