Guardiola tells Klopp to accept fixture schedule
Pep Guardiola has brushed aside Jurgen Klopp’s fixture concerns in the title race and says an easier life would be coaching on the beach away from the Premier League.
Klopp has been upset with scheduling after Liverpool were given the lunchtime kick-off today between two Champions League semi-finals.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have matches after their title rivals in the next three rounds of games.
Guardiola says his team will cope with the pressure as they have been in similar situations before, and that complaining about the fixture list is futile.
“If I’m not satisfied I won’t be manager of Man City. I’d go to another league in the Maldives, and play one game a week and I’d be so comfortable under the coconuts, it would be so perfect.
“But it’s not the case. You are playing at 12.30, I’m sorry Liverpool but I’m not involved with that,” Guardiola said.
“It’s not going to change because the broadcasters are thinking about what they have to do to get more viewers. It’s not about what the players need or what the teams need.”
Guardiola was asked whether Klopp’s decision to extend his contract at Liverpool would have a bearing on his own future, with his deal at City running out next year.
“I have a feeling that one year is a long time,” he said. “I’m incredibly happy and could not be in a better place. I cannot visualise a better place. But it’s not just me, it’s many things, other situations. We are going to think about it.
“Congratulations to Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, it’s really good for them and for the Premier League, and I wish him all the best. Everyone has their own situation and if we decided to stay longer it’s because we all decide together, not because of my colleague staying. I don’t see the link.”