Pep Guardiola criticizes FA and campaigns for revolution in the youth sector

Pep Guardiola has strongly criticized the FA for limiting three substitutions per game. The Manchester City coach also campaigned for a revolution in English youth football.

“Even if five changes are allowed around the world, there would only be three here in England,” said Guardiola at the press conference after the Skyblues 6-1 win in the Carabao Cup against the Wycombe Wanderers in a serious voice and added: ” And with this game plan – that’s ridiculous. That’s why a lot of players get injured because we can’t change five times. “

According to the 50-year-old, the 50-year-old emphasized that the players’ health would be looked after “all over the world”, but not in England.

He also suggested that the U23 teams should play in high-class leagues in the future. In the League Cup, five young players were in the starting line-up of the former Bayern coach against the third division side.

“They have the rhythm because they train with us. Otherwise they would not be able to play,” said Guardiola, adding: “It would be better if they played against Wycombe and their legendary striker every week (Adebayo Akinfenwa; editor’s note. This is the best way for the players to develop. They should play against teams from the Championship or League One every day, not just in training with us against players like Jack (Grealish; editor’s note), Phil ( Foden), Gabriel (Jesus) and Riyad (Mahrez). That would be the best thing for English football. “

In England the U23 teams play in a separate league. It is therefore customary for top teams in cup competitions to rely on their youth players to give them their first experience in professional football.

The games against 17- and 18-year-olds would not help the talents. Almost every game would end 4-0 or 5-0, said Guardiola: “We can’t train them that way, it’s not good for them.”