‘The Premier League ALWAYS has the toughest schedule for teams in Europe!’ – Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says the fixture schedule for Premier League teams in Europe is the toughest out of all countries.

Manchester City have been drawn to face Real Madrid in their Champions League play-off in February with the winner progressing to the round of 16.

The two fixtures will come either side of a clash with Newcastle and while Guardiola stressed that his team have proven they can manage the schedule, he also highlighted how difficult it is.

“We already start in Paris and then face Chelsea, so we are already there in the amount of difficult games,” he explained.

“The schedule is what it is. In the Premier League every team has to play everyone. But normally in the Premier League they always put the toughest schedules for teams in Europe.

“The schedule is the most difficult one because it is tough to play against Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, but the problem is in the middle is Newcastle.

“Always they are so kind for the calendar, so many years, always happens in that way.”

Pushed on whether the Premier League should do more to help clubs, he responded: “Are you asking me that question after many years here? Come on. Don’t make me (answer) that question.

“You have been here many years before me and it has always been like that. I’m not complaining because we have incredible success playing that calendar.

“So maybe the question is a surprise for you but it happens always. It’s always been like that. We accept it. I’m not complaining because we won trebles and had success doing like that.

“I said many times, last season, we played the quarter-final against Madrid and three days later we have the FA Cup semi-final in Wembley when we could have another day. But we survive.

“I remember when I was in Barcelona and follow the Premier League and Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger make the same complaints.

“Do you think it is going to change? The broadcasters decide, they don’t ask me what is better to play.”