PEP GUARDIOLA took a swipe at Everton over their response to the postponement of Monday’s clash with Manchester City.
Prem chiefs called off the Goodison fixture due to positive Covid-19 tests but the Toffees demanded a full explanation.
Pep Guardiola hit out at Everton’s response to their fixture being postponedCredit: Press Association
Guardiola, who lost his own mum to the virus, yesterday stated player safety comes first — and Chelsea boss Frank Lampard backed the City manager.
City are without five players at Stamford Bridge tomorrow and Guardiola said: “I prefer the statement of Carlo Ancelotti to the statement from the club, definitely.
“You have to take care of the welfare of the players and staff because seven people in this club who are together every single day were positive. There are clubs complaining when it’s just about taking care of health.
“When a lot of people in the UK are dying every day and every day a lot, a lot, of people are being contaminated. What can you say?”
Toffees boss Ancelotti sent a message to the Etihad club, wishing those hit by Covid a speedy recovery.
Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus were confirmed as having the virus on Christmas Day — three more players also tested positive.
The Prem do not want affected players named but Ederson and midfielder Tommy Doyle posted on social media they were isolating so will miss tomorrow’s Chelsea clash.
Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus both tested positive for Covid before more team-mates followedCredit: PA:Press Association
Guardiola added: “I called Carlo to explain the situation because we could play. But what would happen if we travelled by coach and Everton players were infected by us?
“It was a huge risk because it’s not just about what happened here at Manchester City but all around the world. People unfortunately are dying in the UK as well. In two days there were 900 people died.”
City had the 14 seniors required to fulfil a fixture — and there were suggestions they did not fancy playing just 48 hours after their 2-0 Boxing Day win over Newcastle.
But Guardiola said: “We would have loved to play that day. Now we’ll face Everton when Lucas Digne, Richarlison, Allan, James Rodriguez can play! Unfortunately, I think wisely, the League decided to not increase risk.”
Chelsea boss Lampard agreed, saying: “Safety and security is paramount as opposed to keeping the nation’s spirit up — it might not be a nice thing to say but these are tough times for everyone.
“We are in an environment with Covid more contagious than we previously thought it was.”
Pep Guardiola reacts to Man City’s victory over Newcastle
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
