Man City manager Josep Graziola has spoken about the possibility of making a change to Crystal Palace’s squad when they face Arsenal.
Josep Guardiola says the Premier League should not interfere with Oliver Glasner’s team selection for the match against Arsenal (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Manager Josep Guardiola has asked the Premier League not to interfere with Oliver Glasner’s plans to select a squad for Crystal Palace to face Arsenal on the final day of the season. The Gunners travel to Selhurst Park in what could be a title-deciding afternoon, but Glasner hinted Palace could rest key players ahead of the Conference League final just three days away.
This raises serious questions about the health of the league, and thanks to the random draw of fixtures and Palace’s impressive run in Europe, Arsenal could come to the rescue on the final day if the title race reaches that point.
Glasner has ignored such suggestions, insisting that Guardiola is fully supportive of the Austrian and should be free to choose any team name for the remaining three games without outside interference.
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The city manager said, “Leave it to the director to do what needs to be done.” “It would be better for all of us if the Premier League were not involved in all the decisions. So we can leave everything to them and let the managers do what they have to do. It’s fine.”
City will be desperate to extend the title race into the final days with tonight’s win against Palace closing the gap at the top of the table to just two points with two games remaining.
Oliver Glassner’s Crystal Palace could play a big role in the title race (Image: Getty Images)
A win against Bournemouth next Tuesday will put the title in jeopardy, but the Blues have learned all too well from past campaigns how nerve-wracking the final day can be, even when it appears they have all the cards in hand.
Regardless of where City finish, Guardiola is adamant he does not want his team to be blamed by referees, rival teams or any other excuses if they fall short of Arsenal.
And, as the Palace manager has made clear, he must prioritize what is best for his club, whatever the consequences for his title-chasing side.
“We don’t know what we’re doing yet,” Glassner said. “We will probably play with the same lineup as when we play against Rayo (Vallecano).
“I feel like the league title (may) be decided on the last day, but in the end it’s the result of 38 games and everyone gets what they deserve. To be honest, it’s nonsense for anyone to criticize[me for this].”
“This is not just the last game. There have been 37 games so far, and if another team rotates with City or Arsenal, it could affect the title race.”
“I’m not responsible for Arsenal, I’m not responsible for Manchester City. I’m responsible for Crystal Palace and I get paid to do my best for Crystal Palace.”
