Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has explained that he has been left frustrated by the decision to move Manchester City’s clash with Everton to Sunday in order to make way for the Eurovision song contest on Saturday evening.
His side sit atop the Premier League by a single point, though they have a game in hand on chasing side Arsenal as they eye up a historic treble. They sit level with Real Madrid after the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, and face the reigning European Champions again on Wednesday.
De Bruyne’s thunderous strike wins Goal of the Week ⚡️#UCLGOTW | @Heineken pic.twitter.com/XIdrsjMXMr
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 12, 2023
First though, they must travel to Goodison Park for a tricky tie against Sean Dyche’s Everton, who are fighting for their Premier League survival. Having faced Real Madrid on Tuesday, they were initially scheduled to face the Toffees on Saturday, but the annual Eurovision song contest is being held in Liverpool on Saturday evening,
It means that there will be just over 72 hours between the end of the game and the clash with Los Blancos, while Carlo Ancelotti’s side play on Saturday evening.
“It is what it is”, Guardiola moaned to the media.
“In the end, we can’t play Saturday because of Eurovision or something like that in Liverpool and we don’t have enough bodies to handle two important events sometimes.
“OK, you have to adapt. What can I do? We’d prefer to play Saturday to be able to prepare but it is what it is.
“I’m pretty sure the Premier League want to help the teams. I don’t think they make it uncomfortable.”
Manchester City have a safety buffer atop the Premier League even if they drop points against the Toffees, with Guardiola’s team able to lose a game and still win the Premier League title even if Arsenal win all of their remaining three games.
