Toni Kroos responds Pep Guardiola’s rant over the busy schedule
Toni Kroos has responded to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s rant regarding the upcoming Champions League schedule. Previously, the former Barcelona manager felt it was unfair that Los Blancos has a longer resting time than his side.
The Citizens will play their nearest game against Crystal Palace this weekend in the league, while Madrid have not been playing since the beginning of the month. The last time Carlo Ancelotti’s squad were on the pitch was when beating Athletic Bilbao at home on April 1.
Pep Guardiola: “It’s tough playing every three days”
Both teams will see each other on April 10, 2024 at Santiago Bernabeu and this is what makes Guardiola mad, saying that the schedule is too tight. Apart from the Champions League, City are still fighting for two major trophies, the FA Cup and Premier League.
“Madrid have nine days to prepare for our game,” Guardiola said via Goal. “Nine days! They play this weekend and then not again until our game – while I am thinking, ‘Oh, just give me one more day!
”With one more day the difference is a lot – but there is no chance. That’s why, when you ask me about changes to the calendar, I give my opinion – but forget about it. I defend my club and for my club it’s really tough playing every three days, three days, three days – and the other clubs don’t have that situation.”
Guardiola then compared the situation with other European countries and how the football governing bodies are dealing with the situation.
”In France, PSG don’t play between their quarter-final games. In Portugal, they often play on Friday before the Champions League. They (the FA and Premier League) have their own business and their own decisions.”
Toni Kroos is calm about the situation
Toni Kroos responded to Guardiola’s comment in a calm manner. The German midfielder doesn’t think too much about the resting gap between one match and another, adding that it is not something he is used to.
“We’re not used to not playing for nine days,” he said via Football Espana. ”If you ask me today, it suits me very well. It won’t be a disadvantage for us, but I don’t know if it will be a big advantage. We’re all used to playing every week.”
Last season, City beat Madrid in the semifinal to secure their second final in three seasons. Playing a 1-1 draw at the Etihad in the first leg, City went mad in the second leg by winning four goals to one at Santiago Bernabeu against the most successful side in the competition.