‘It’s not normal’ – Man City boss Pep Guardiola launches into furious rant at the FA over ‘unacceptable’ scheduling

Pep Guardiola has criticised the Football Association's decision making following Manchester City's FA Cup semi-final win.

While many fans have raged over the scrapping of FA Cup replays, the Spaniard had grievances to air over congested fixture schedules instead.

2

City sealed a 1-0 win over Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday to set up a final tie against either Manchester United or Coventry.

Bernardo Silva proved to be the hero as City bounced back from being knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid on penalties three days prior.

In his post-match interview, though, the City boss' smiles disappeared as he accused the FA of allowing an 'unacceptable' match schedule.

"Why don't they give us one more day and for the players to arrive on Sunday?" Guardiola said.

READ MORE ON FA CUP

Jack Grealish rages at fourth official - moments after penalty decision went in his favour

Mason Mount a doubt as Man United duo set to miss FA Cup semi-final with injury

"Coventry, Chelsea and Man United, they don't play in [the] Champions League.

"They don't play in the Europa League. They don't play in midweek.

"[It's] for broadcasters? OK, don't ask me after to do extra things because we're not going to do it. It's unacceptable to play today."

Guardiola doubled down on his argument in his on-pitch interview with BBC Sport, launching into an animated rant as he questioned how his team even got through Saturday's clash.

Most read in FA Cup

Antony explains reason for taunting Coventry players after FA Cup semi-final win

Souness: Ten Hag could win FA Cup and ruin Man City's double dream - but it won't save him

All you need to know as Man City meet Man United in FA Cup final derby again

Maguire's dignified reaction contrasts with 'embarrassing' Antony as Keane sticks boot in

2

"It's not normal, honestly it's not normal," he said. "So because [we won] I have the courage to tell you, with a defeat I will shut up, but it's not acceptable to play 120 minutes [against Real Madrid then come here]."

He continued: "I know it's this country and [the FA Cup is] special and many things, but it's for the health of the players. I don't understand how we survived today."

Asked by Lineker whether he's addressed his concerns with the FA themselves, Guardiola said: "Do you think demanding is going to change something? The only power I have is say [it] here.

"They're not going to change anything. But why we play today and not tomorrow when Coventry, United and Chelsea don't play in the mid-week.

"So why? Why not one more day for the health of the players. Me as a manager, tell me how we prepare for the semi-final against Chelsea for this prestigious cup.

"It's impossible."