PEP GUARDIOLA has warned more England stars could follow Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford on to the long-term injured list.
And if they do, the Manchester City boss said the authorities will only have themselves to blame.
Harry Kane is ruled out for 12 weeks after suffering a hamstring injuryCredit: EPA
Rashford was hurt again when he came on as sub in the 1-0 FA Cup third-round replay win at home to Wolves last weekCredit: EPA
Pep believes the packed fixture list — particularly in winter — is too hectic and the pressure on the top players is “unsustainable”.
He said: “I’m so sorry for Kane and Rashford — it’s a big blow and they are good for the league. But we demand a lot from the players, it’s too much.
“With that number of games, players break down. I’m not surprised.
“The big administration people cannot complain because it’s normal this happens.
“It’s unsustainable. All the managers complained about it and they don’t care.
“We push and push. Their bodies say ‘Stop, it’s enough’.”
Guardiola has his own ideas about how to lessen the players’ workload — such as scrapping one of the cup competitions or making the Premier League smaller.
He added: “Less games, less teams, more quality, less quantity.
“In Germany there are 18 teams in the league not 20 — and one cup, not two. They have a break.
“In Spain they have a break. The cup is one leg, so it’s a big difference.
“We are resting in February for one week but then we have 72 games in a week, so it’s a bit strange.”
Guardiola believes the packed fixture list, particularly in winter, is too hecticCredit: Reuters
Grim news from Mourinho on Harry Kane’s injury
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
