It is no secret that professional footballers are being put through back-breaking playing schedules in the modern game. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticised this change, branded it ‘not normal’.

The Sky Blues may have emerged victorious in their FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, but Guardiola was nonetheless aggrieved at the toll it took on his players.

Not only did City play at the weekend, they also went through a gruelling Champions League quarter final against Real Madrid, where the Citizens would ultimately taste defeat on penalties.

What did Pep Guardiola say about Manchester City’s schedule?

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Guardiola said: “Why don’t they give us one more day and for the players to arrive on Sunday? Coventry, Chelsea and Man United, they don’t play in [the] Champions League. They don’t play in the Europa League. They don’t play in midweek.

“[It’s] for broadcasters? OK, don’t ask me after to do extra things because we’re not going to do it. It’s unacceptable to play today. It’s not normal, honestly it’s not normal. So because [we won] I have the courage to tell you, with a defeat I will shut up, but it’s not acceptable to play 120 minutes [against Real Madrid then come here].

“I know it’s this country and [the FA Cup is] special and many things, but it’s for the health of the players. I don’t understand how we survived today. Do you think demanding is going to change something? The only power I have is say [it] here. They’re not going to change anything. But why we play today and not tomorrow when Coventry, United and Chelsea don’t play in the midweek.

“So why? Why not one more day for the health of the players. Me as a manager, tell me how we prepare for the semi-final against Chelsea for this prestigious cup. It’s impossible.”