EPL: “Stop Complaining,” Pep Guardiola Tells Jurgen Klopp

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, has advised Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp that grumbling about Premier League fixture chaos is a waste of time.

Coaches should seek jobs in the “Maldives League” if they are upset with the schedule, Guardiola said.

On Wednesday, Liverpool faced Villarreal in the Champions League, and they will face Newcastle United in the early kick-off on Saturday.

The Premier League turned down Liverpool’s request to move the game at St James’ Park to Saturday night. Klopp has described the quick turnaround between games as “brutal.”

“It’s pointless to complain,” Guardiola said. “Nothing is going to change. It’s not going to change because the broadcasters are thinking about what they have to do to get more viewers. It’s not about what the players need or what the teams need.”

“Of course I understand it, but what can I say? We are not going to solve the problem, I’ve said many times. Sir Alex Ferguson was the most important icon in the history of English football and he was complaining when he was a teenager.”

With five games remaining, City and Liverpool are parted by one point at the top of the standings.