Guardiola fears Premier League players go on strike

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has raised the possibility of players going on strike for their welfare following the spread of COVID-19.

He said he didn’t think that would happen, but that a strike might be the only way to get authorities to listen.

Norwich boss Dean Smith said yesterday it was ‘madness’ his team had to play two games in 48 hours despite more cases of COVID on the team.

The Canaries, who finish bottom of the table and three points behind safety, host Arsenal on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. GMT before playing at Crystal Palace on Tuesday, kick-off at 3:00 p.m.

Smith said Norwich, which has not played since December 14 due to the virus, had “new cases”.

“We don’t know how many will be missing on Boxing Day,” he added.

“There has to be a question about the integrity of the competition when teams face weakened teams against other teams and that affects league positions.”

When asked if he would support a players’ strike, he added: “I don’t think you can. We have to follow the guidelines of the league we are in.

Meanwhile, Tottenham boss Antonio Conte said Thursday’s meeting between managers and the Premier League to discuss issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic was like speaking to a brick wall.

On Monday, the league elected to continue playing over the Christmas period.

Three games from December 26 have now been postponed, bringing the total to 13, while players and club staff returned a record 90 positive tests last week.