“It’s too much” – Pep Guardiola fumes at Manchester City fixture schedule ahead of defining month

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reiterated concerns surrounding the fixture schedule.

The Catalan’s side moved back to within one point of league leaders Liverpool with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday evening, courtesy of Phil Foden’s first-half goal.

The Englishman’s 16th goal of the campaign helped Manchester City to a vital three points, as Foden netted on the 24th minute after goalkeeper Neto parried Erling Haaland’s effort into the path of the 23-year-old.

City’s win over the Cherries extended their current unbeaten streak to 17 matches and was the Blues’ sixth of seven games in February.

Pep Guardiola’s side conclude a gruelling month of fixtures against Luton Town in the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup on Tuesday evening, travelling to Kenilworth Road for only the second time this century.

Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish helped Manchester City to a comeback victory against Luton in the Premier League back in December, after Elijah Adebayo put the home side ahead on the brink of half-time.

City also face a series of upcoming crucial Premier League games, with four potentially defining matches against Manchester United, Liverpool, Brighton and Arsenal scheduled for March.

Manchester United visit the Etihad Stadium next weekend ahead of a trip to Anfield, as the Sky Blues remain in the hunt to win a record-breaking fourth successive title.

City will also face a UEFA Champions League fixture and potentially an FA Cup quarter-final next month, with the Cityzens having already played 40 matches this season.

Following Saturday’s win over Bournemouth, Guardiola reiterated his fury with the fixture schedule, saying: “Thank you so much for the calendar. It’s too much. Absolutely. But the business must go on.”

“I adore my players. They are supermen. Playing every three days. When people say, ‘Can you play the same conditions in the Premier League?’ No. We play more games than everyone else.”

Manchester City could still retain last season’s historic treble, with the Blues competing in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

Just two points continue to separate Liverpool, City and Arsenal in the Premier League table ahead of the final three months of the campaign.