March 6th 2024.
Pep Guardiola was not in the best of moods following Manchester City's midweek victory over Copenhagen. The Spaniard was still feeling the effects of a grueling Manchester derby just three days prior, and he was not afraid to voice his displeasure.
Despite making seven changes to his starting lineup, Guardiola's team put in a dominant performance and secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. However, the victory did little to lift his spirits as he was still frustrated with the short turnaround between games.
When asked about the upcoming title showdown with Liverpool, Guardiola refused to discuss it, making it clear that his focus was solely on the match at hand. He also took the opportunity to criticize the scheduling of last weekend's Manchester derby, which only added to his frustrations.
The City boss explained that his team selection was not influenced by the looming trip to Anfield, but rather by the need for fresh legs and a desire to compete against Copenhagen. He emphasized the importance of having enough energy and rest between matches, especially in a busy schedule like the one they were currently facing.
Guardiola also pointed out the difference in scheduling between European competitions in other countries and the Premier League. In most countries, teams are given a longer break after playing in the Champions League, but in England, they are expected to play on the weekend, which can be physically and mentally taxing.
The Spaniard's frustration was evident in his curt responses to questions about Liverpool and the derby during the post-match press conference. He made it clear that he would only be discussing Liverpool on Friday, at his pre-match press conference.
Guardiola also highlighted the importance of having fresh legs in order to compete at the highest level, using the example of their victory against Luton in the FA Cup and their match against Copenhagen as proof of the difference it can make. He also mentioned that his players were exhausted and needed rest after the derby, but the scheduling did not allow for it.
As for the advantage of facing Liverpool after their Europa League match on Thursday, Guardiola did not want to give anything away and simply stated that he would address it on Friday. He even joked that if he answered all the questions now, there would be no need for a press conference on Friday.
In the end, Guardiola's frustrations were clear, and he made it evident that he was not pleased with the scheduling and the toll it takes on his team. Despite this, he remained focused on the task at hand and was determined to lead his team to victory against Liverpool.
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