Pep Guardiola speaks out after Premier League denied Man City request in title battle

Pep Guardiola brushed aside Manchester City's fixture concerns as he urged his players to prove they can dominate English football. The City boss acknowledged that the schedule 'could be better' but insisted it is an enduring aspect of the game that people must accept when they choose to compete in the league. City were left incensed this week when the Premier League turned down several fixture proposals, leaving them with the most demanding schedule possible for the final weeks of the campaign. Following their home clash with Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday, May 13, City face Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley just three days later before travelling back down to Bournemouth the following Tuesday. Arsenal face their own challenges, needing to navigate league fixtures with Newcastle , Fulham and West Ham while juggling their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid. The Gunners returned to the top of the table with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle, though goal difference may ultimately be the only factor separating the two sides. Yet City remained frustrated by the Premier League's decisions, despite the various complications that needed to be considered. Guardiola would prefer a different conclusion to the season, though he can recall from his time at Barcelona that scheduling difficulties have always been part and parcel of English football. "It is what it is," he said. "I would prefer to play the Champions League semi-final. When we won the treble and quadruple we always had this kind of calendar. FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Follow our Manchester City Mirror Football Facebook page "Of course, it could be better, but I never expected from a long time ago something. It is what it is. We will adapt and play game by game. "The calendar, the broadcasters, the Premier League or whoever has decided, we will be there with 11 players plus people on the bench. "Here it is what it is. We have to adapt. If you don't like [it], go to train in France or Portugal. I like to be here and I said when I was in Barcelona and all the managers here complaining about the schedule. "It is what it is. I never expect differently. They decide to play, we will play." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.