Guardiola Blames Fixture Congestion for Premier League Injury Crisis—But Is It the Only Factor?

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has pointed fingers at the relentless fixture schedule as the main culprit behind the instability of Premier League teams this season. According to the Spanish tactician, “most teams except Liverpool” have been hit hard by injuries, leading to inconsistent performances across the board.

Speaking ahead of City's Week 25 clash against Newcastle United, Guardiola reflected on how injuries have plagued top clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and even his own side. Key players such as Bukayo Saka and Rodri have spent significant time on the sidelines, disrupting team chemistry and rhythm.

Guardiola also referenced former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, stating that both managers have long warned about the dangers of an overloaded calendar. “I always expect injuries during the season. Not as much as we’ve had, but it’s not just a problem for Man City. You see the same at Tottenham, Arsenal... most teams except Liverpool have been unstable in that regard,” he remarked.

Liverpool’s ability to maintain stability while their rivals struggle raises an interesting question: Is fixture congestion the sole reason for these struggles, or is there more to it?

The Other Side of the Coin

While Guardiola’s argument holds weight—given the increasing demands of the modern football calendar—it doesn’t fully explain why Liverpool have remained largely unscathed. The Reds have also competed in multiple competitions, yet they sit comfortably at the top of the table, 16 points ahead of City.

One could argue that Liverpool’s superior squad depth and rotation strategy have played a major role in their resilience. Unlike other clubs, they have managed to keep their best players fit while integrating backups seamlessly. Moreover, their recruitment policy, fitness management, and playing style could be mitigating injury risks better than others.

Guardiola’s Toughest Season Yet?

Regardless of the reasons, there’s no denying that this season has been one of Guardiola’s most challenging as Manchester City’s boss. Sitting in fifth place and trailing Liverpool by a considerable margin, City’s title defense looks all but over unless something miraculous happens in the coming weeks.

With the Champions League knockout stages looming, Guardiola and his squad will need to find solutions fast. Blaming the fixture list may be valid, but finding ways to adapt—like Liverpool have—is ultimately what separates champions from challengers.

What do you think? Is Guardiola right about the fixture congestion, or should City and others take a deeper look at how they manage their squads? Let’s discuss!