Pep Guardiola makes request for Crystal Palace vs Arsenal as Premier League sent message
Man City boss Pep Guradiola has spoken about Crystal Palace potentially rotating their squad when they take on Arsenal
Pep Guardiola has urged the Premier League not to interfere with Oliver Glasner’s team selection plans for Crystal Palace’s clash with Arsenal on the final day of the season. The Gunners make the trip to Selhurst Park on what could prove to be a title-deciding afternoon, with Glasner hinting that Palace may rest key players ahead of their Conference League final just three days later.
That has raised serious questions over the integrity of the league, with Arsenal potentially receiving a helping hand on the final day – should the title race reach that point – courtesy of the fixture list’s random draw and Palace’s impressive European run.
Glasner has rubbished such suggestions and Guardiola threw his weight behind the Austrian, insisting he should be free to name whatever side he chooses across his remaining three matches without outside interference.
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“Leave the managers to do what they have to do,” the City boss said. “The less the Premier League is involved in all the decisions, will be better for all of us. So, leave it all over, so the managers do what they have to do. No problem.”
City will be desperate to drag the title race to the final day, beginning with tonight’s victory over Palace to trim the gap at the summit to two points with only two matches remaining.
A win at Bournemouth next Tuesday would take it to the wire, and the Blues know all too well from numerous previous campaigns just how nerve-shredding the final day can be, even when you appear to hold all the cards.
Regardless of where City finish, Guardiola is adamant he doesn’t want his side pointing the finger at referees, rival teams or any other excuse should they fall short of Arsenal.
And, as Palace’s boss made clear, he must prioritise what is best for his own club no matter the consequences for those chasing the title.
“I don’t know what we’re doing yet,” Glasner said. “Maybe we’ll be playing with the same line-up that we’ll play against Rayo [Vallecano].
“It feels like the league title (may be) decided on the last day, but at the end, it’s a result of 38 matchdays and everybody gets what they deserve. To be honest, if somebody criticises (me for this), it would be nonsense.
“It’s (not) just the last game. There were 37 games played before and that means if another team rotated against City or Arsenal, they affected the title race as well.
“I’m not responsible for Arsenal, and I’m not responsible for Manchester City. I’m responsible for Crystal Palace, and I get paid for doing the best things for Crystal Palace.”