Pep Guardiola used his pre-FA Cup press conference to have a wipe in the Premier League for not moving the last home game of Manchester City of the season to help their Champions League bid.
City wants to save their campaign the next week, starting at Wembley in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace before the last two games in an attempt to finish in the top five.
Guardiola wanted to move against Bournemouth on Tuesday in the Etihad Stadium to Wednesday – and believes it would be feasible considering Spurs if their match in Aston Villa for the Europa League final was switched.
“It will be difficult,” Guardiola said. 'We have fought against these situations for nine years, every season and nothing goes.
'We are going to play on Tuesday evening against the most intense, physical, direct and powerful team in the Premier League that play for European qualification.
“So we have to deal with that. Manchester United and Tottenham play on Friday and when it is possible, this is what we have to do. I prefer to play on Wednesday. '
Wednesday is the Europa League final between Spurs and United. Guardiola said City had not formally asked to change the schedule, but suggested requesting this after knockout matches of Champions League and before the semi-final of FA Cup had fallen on deaf ears in the past seasons.
The fans of City will say goodbye to Kevin De Bruyne on Tuesday and his manager insisted that there is no room for sentimentality around team selection for Palace.
“I play with him because I believe he can produce what he has so far,” Guardiola added. 'We were down 0-2 against Crystal Palace in the competition and he produced the free kick. We can't do it because we are generous, we need it.
“We want to do it for him. He has lifted 16 trophies in 10 years. I wouldn't say bad. Another would be good. '