Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said his team’s intense fixture schedule is taking a toll, and that “71 treatments” were administered between games against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool last week.
City’s last four games in 12 days included home and away Champions League matches against Atletico Madrid, as well as Premier League and FA Cup matches against Liverpool.
Kyle Walker and Kevin de Bruyne both missed Liverpool’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Atletico Madrid due to injuries sustained in the second leg.
“In the time between Atletico Madrid and the semi-final against Liverpool, our physios performed 71 treatments,” Guardiola told reporters.
“I was approached by the doctor. But it’s not just for one game; it’s for the three ‘finals’. (The medics) informed me that it was higher than usual. The schedule is as is.”
Guardiola stated that six massage tables were set up by the side of the pitch to treat players during FA Cup training.
City are two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, but can reclaim first place if they beat Brighton & Hove Albion later on Wednesday (Apr 20).
