Pep Guardiola has expressed concerns that Manchester City’s push to oust holders Real Madrid from the Champions League may be hindered by the demanding Premier League schedule.
After securing a place in the knockout stages with a victory over Club Brugge, City were drawn to face Real Madrid in the Champions League play-off round, with the first leg scheduled for February 11 or 12 at the Etihad. The second leg will follow a week later at the Santiago Bernabéu.
This high-profile encounter falls amid a challenging month for the City. They face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, with additional fixtures against Newcastle and Liverpool, an FA Cup trip to Leyton Orient and a league match against Tottenham in February.

Guardiola acknowledged the fixture congestion, commenting, “Well, it looks like a derby already, four years in a row facing Madrid.”
He added that while other leagues give clubs more time to prepare for Champions League matches, the Premier League maintains its tough schedule, putting extra strain on teams competing at the highest level.
Reflecting on the demanding nature of England’s fixture list, Guardiola remarked, “Normally in the Premier League they always put the toughest schedules for teams in Europe… the problem is in the middle is Newcastle.”
He also noted that City is accustomed to such intensity despite the challenging schedule. “I would love (more time) absolutely. But if you don’t like it, go to another country; don’t be Manchester City manager.”
Guardiola’s challenge is compounded by injuries, particularly the absence of key midfielder Rodri. Initially ruled out for the season after a cruciate ligament injury against Arsenal in September, Rodri has made significant progress and is hopeful of returning before the end of the season.
Guardiola, however, emphasised the importance of being cautious, saying, “ACL is ACL for every football player…you have to respect the human body.”