Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has slammed the FA Cup scheduling after watching his side beat Chelsea 1-0 to reach the final, three days after their treble bid was ended by Real Madrid in the Champions League.
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Portuguese playmaker Bernardo Silva's 84th-minute goal at Wenbley on Saturday ensured City maintained their pursuit of back-to-back domestic doubles.
Silva had his feeble effort saved in the midweek shootout against Madrid but he made amends when he converted Kevin De Bruyne's cross from the left at the far post via a deflection from Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella.
Chelsea had their chances to take the lead, but the best of them was missed by Nicolas Jackson.
City, who were without fatigued striker Erling Haaland, lacked their usual zip and, despite reaching another final, Guardiola was clearly agitated at his side's lack of recovery time after the heartache of Wednesday's Champions League exit.
"It's unacceptable to let us play today," Guardiola told the BBC's team of pundits at pitch-side. "It's impossible, for the health of the players. It's not normal. It's unacceptable. 120 minutes, the emotions of Madrid, the way we lose, honestly.
"I know this country is special (with the FA Cup) but it's for the health of the players. I don't understand how we survived today.
Guardiola could not fathom why City's game against Chelsea was not scheduled for Sunday rather than Manchester United's semi-final clash with second-tier Coventry City, neither of whom had to play a match in midweek.
Talking to reporters later, he praised the mentality of his players. "What they did today is one of the greatest things I have ever seen from a group of players after 120 minutes of football on Wednesday," he said.
"I just want to protect my players. It's common sense. I'm not asking for something special or privilege."
with Reuters
Australian Associated Press
