Guardiola insisted that managers and players should have a say when rules guiding football are made
By Kehinde Okeowo
Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola has criticised the decision of Premier League (PL) management to effect changes in the rules guiding football without consultation with critical stakeholders.
He made his feelings about this known after Arsenal’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Man City in the Community Shield played at Wembley on Sunday night.
The Citizens had taken the lead through Cole Palmer in the 77th minute, but Leandro Trossard made it 1-1 in the 11th minute of added time after his shot deflected off Manuel Akanji.
Referee Stuart Attwell initially indicated an additional eight minutes at the end of the game, but it was extended further due to a clash of heads in that period involving Kyle Walker and Thomas Partey.
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In an effort to clamp down on time-wasting, PL referees have been instructed to add on more time for any in-game delays
Speaking after the match, Guardiola said the alterations could have a profound effect on games, but admitted that managers have to get used to it.
He also suggested that football managers and players should have a say when rules guiding football are being formulated.
He said: “It is not annoying; we have to get used to it. I had the feeling, not because we were winning 1-0, it was just the fact I had the feeling that much didn’t happen to extend by eight minutes.
“But it is a good question for the [rule-making International Football Association Board] and all the people because they don’t consult the managers; they don’t consult the players.
“Whatever their opinion, we have to accept it. Now the games will be 100 minutes, that’s for sure.”
