'The reality is we cannot come into games with such a disadvantage': Bernardo Silva

Manchester City players  (in blue) appear dejected after Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time  equaliser for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London on Sunday. Pic/Getty Images

Silva felt City’s tiredness was decisive as Arsenal dominated after Erling Haaland’s early strike before snatching a stoppage-time equaliser through Gabriel Martinelli. Guardiola had named an unchanged side against Arsenal rather than rotating his players, but Silva is convinced it was the pressure of the fixture list that was to blame for City’s late frustration. 

‘It is just not fair’

“The reality is we cannot come in to one of the most important games in the season with such a disadvantage, in terms of rest. It is not fair to play one of these games like this. It is just not right,” he said. “They had five days and we had two and a half days. In one of the most important games, this cannot happen. It is just not enough. 

‘I didn’t feel my best’

“I wasn’t feeling in a perfect condition to play like this, and people who have not played at the highest level don’t know how it feels to play a game like this. You need to be at your best condition. We saw [Abdukodir] Khusanov getting injured because these games demand a lot. I feel it is just frustrating that we couldn’t be at our best level simply because of the decision of someone that thinks it is fair to come away after two and a half less days than Arsenal,” Silva added.

Echoing the complaints of many of his peers as the demands on players grow, Silva believes such a quick turnaround is too much of a burden to shoulder. “Look, the schedule is the schedule and I understand you have different competitions, and UEFA, the Premier League, and the broadcasters want to make their money,” he said. 

“What we ask for is common sense because this is one of the biggest games of the season. The players need to be in the same physical conditions, otherwise, I don’t think it is fair.”

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!