It’s fair to say that Pep Guardiola was not a happy man despite Manchester City beating Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup semi-final.
Bernardo Silva came to the rescue for the competition’s holders with an 84-minute winner.
Manchester City’s number 20 came to his side’s rescue by being at the right place at the right time on Saturday.
After Kevin De Bruyne’s cross struck Djordje Petrovic’s leg, it fell to Bernardo Silva, whose attempt from close quarters hit Marc Cucurella and flew into the back of the net.
The Portuguese international scored at the perfect time for City, considering Chelsea had created plenty of gilt-edged chances of their own.
Particularly in the second half of the contest between Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino’s sides.
Guardiola rages despite Man City beating Chelsea in FA Cup semi-final
Nicolas Jackson’s wastefulness in front of goal came back to bite the Blues at Wembley Stadium.
Sticking to the second half, the Senegalese striker was clean through on goal but his attempt was saved by Stefan Ortega.
Later, Jackson had a free header at the back post that he seemed destined to score.
However, Nicolas Jackson failed to convert, with Stefan Ortega making a crucial save with his right arm.
Bernardo Silva, unlike the former Villareal forward was clinical and clinched the victory for the Sky Blues.
Bernardo’s goal helped City book their place in the final of the FA Cup in back-to-back seasons.
However, Pep Guardiola was fuming due to the fixture schedule in place for Manchester City after they faced Chelsea.
“It’s unacceptable. It’s really unacceptable. Coventry, United, Chelsea don’t play in the week, let us play today. Next week, on Friday, we’ll be better”, he said on BBC Sport.
“It’s impossible, it’s for the health of the players. It’s not normal. Honestly, it’s not normal. So, because I win, I have the courage to tell you, in the defeat, I will shut up. But it’s not possible, it’s unacceptable. 120 minutes [against Real Madrid], all of you [Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Frank Lampard and Micah Richards].”
“The emotion to [play against] Madrid, the quarter-finals we lose and everything, so, honestly. I know this country is special for many things but it’s for the health of the players. I don’t understand how we survived today!”
Gary Lineker quizzed Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola whether he spoke to the FA about the busy fixture schedule after his side’s win against Chelsea.
“Gary, do you think our demands are going to change something? The only power I have, I say here. That’s not going to change anything, I know it for many years. But why you play and not one day off when Coventry, United, Chelsea don’t play in mid-week? So, why? Why don’t you have one more day for the health of the players?
“Me, as a manager, tell me how you prepare this final against Chelsea in the best moment of the season and semi-final, forgive, the prestige of this cup. How? It’s impossible! It’s no chance!”
Pep Guardiola is spot on
Sure, Pep Guardiola must be over the moon about Manchester City winning the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
However, Guardiola makes a valid point by addressing how bizarre it was for City to play on Saturday after they played a challenging contest against Real Madrid as recently as on Wednesday.
Especially considering Manchester United and Coventry United are playing on Sunday; two teams who did not play during mid-week and nor are they are a part of any European competitions.
Player welfare is key and it is dangerous for City’s players to be playing such high-profile games in such a short space of time.
Having an insight into how potentially exhausted his Manchester City players must have been before his side’s clash against Chelsea, he would especially be aware of how irresponsible the fixture scheduling was.