Pep Guardiola believes that the Premier League match of Manchester City against Bournemouth “certainly” should be played later in the week, because of their FA Cup -define obligations.
The citizens appear in their third consecutive FA Cup pronouncing piece when they are confronted opposite Crystal Palace in Wembley on Saturday and want to regain the trophy that was lost 12 months ago to Manchester United.
The side of Guardiola then turns their focus back to the Premier League three days later, because they welcome the Europa Conference League-Chasing Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium.
City will want to win their game in hand and win back their place in the top five, after waste after victories before Chelsea and Aston Villa on Friday on Manchester United and Tottenham respectively.
The match was planned again on Tuesday to prevent a collision with the All-Engels Europa League Final Showdown between United and Spurs the next day.
Yet Guardiola cannot understand why there was no greater willingness to push the match back in the same way as the matches of the Red Devils and Tottenham were brought forward for two days.
The FA Cup final.
Come on, city !! pic.twitter.com/GX3US8UJWQ
– Manchester City (@Mancity) 17 May 2025
“Absolutely,” replied the Spaniard when he was asked if he would have preferred Bournemouth on Wednesday or Thursday next week.
“Tottenham plays against Aston Villa on Friday [because of] The Europa League final, yes? Good decision. To be honest, I don't make irony or sarcastic, the Premier League has made a good decision, very good.
“We have been fighting this situation for nine years – every season. Nothing. [happens]. [We are told] “That's the deal, go.”
“We are going to play on Tuesday evening against an intense, physical, direct and powerful team in the Premier League such as Bournemouth, who play to qualify for the Europa Conference League. We have to deal with that.
“What I say, they play Aston Villa-Tottenham on a Friday night. That's what they have to do if it is possible. It doesn't change much for us who play a Tuesday or Wednesday, but they decide, and we will play with our people here on Tuesday.”