Breaking News: Pep Guardiola responds to Premier League rejecting Man City request – and hits out at FIFA

Pep Guardiola is unimpressed by the Premier League’s decision (Image: UEFA via Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola sent a sardonic “thank you” note to the Premier League for turning down Manchester City’s plea for a postponed start to the upcoming campaign.

The winners will compete in the four-week FIFA Club World Cup, which will be staged in the US next summer, under revised rules. It starts in June and runs through July 13. Then, in less than four weeks, the Premier League is set to resume.

Although a specific date has not yet been decided, it will occur a little earlier than usual because of the World Cup the following summer. Although players are permitted three-week holidays, Guardiola is worried that his team’s lack of sleep may result in either worn-out or essential personnel.

As they presently await the results of the 115 charges against them, the Premier League’s decision is only expected to heighten hostilities between them and the Manchester organization. Guardiola declared: “It’s strictly forbidden. The club requested that the Premier League postpone it so they could take extra time off. The Premier League declined. Many thanks for that! I am not the answerer. I believe we make a sensible choice!”

The Catalan has also taken aim at FIFA, who insisted that teams must send their best players to the Club World Cup out of concern that the competition may suffer if big names are rested. Guardiola insisted that he will not be restricted in who he can or cannot utilize. Which players are the strongest, he asserted? It is beyond me how a player’s pick makes him’stronger’ than the others. Yes, I am aware. I won’t be informed ahead of time about the players’ lineups for any games. Yes, I will make a decision.”