What's happened
Manchester City's Phil Foden and Erling Haaland missed training, raising doubts for their next match. Pep Guardiola criticized the scheduling that led to a tight turnaround between matches. Bernardo Silva's goal secured City's spot in the FA Cup final.
Why it matters
The scheduling challenges faced by Manchester City highlight the physical and mental toll on players in top-level football. Guardiola's stance on player welfare brings attention to the demanding nature of the sport and the need for adequate rest between matches.
What the papers say
The Independent reported Guardiola's frustration with the scheduling, emphasizing the impact on player recovery. The Guardian highlighted Guardiola's criticism of the FA Cup semi-final timing, showcasing the strain on City's players.
How we got here
Manchester City faced a congested fixture list, playing high-stakes matches in quick succession. Guardiola's concerns over player fatigue stemmed from the demanding schedule and its potential impact on performance and injury risk.
Common question
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