This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised the dedication of global healthcare workers as the Premier League returns to action on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, after a three-month coronavirus-enforced break.
Guardiola's side will face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, with the Premier League teams set to wear a badge on their shirts thanking Britain's National Health Service for their hard work.
“The NHS, they went to work every single day,” Guardiola said in a video call on Tuesday, June 16. “They deserve a huge, incredible compliment, not just the nurses, the scientists, the doctors — the cleaners. The people are there every day to make our lives easier, to put their lives at risk to save ours.”
Guardiola acknowledged that the Premier League's decision to resume was not without its doubts, but he understood the need to reduce the impact of the pandemic on clubs.
“Sometimes,” he said. “I understand we have to do it. Always you had the feeling the damage for the clubs was huge. You have to do it to reduce the impact as much as possible.”
The City boss also expressed concerns about the packed schedule, with 92 games to be played in less than six weeks, and the lack of recovery time for players.
“The problem is not to play one game, the first one and the second one,” Guardiola said. “The lack of recovery, you have to play another game with lack of physical training, physical conditioning or being prepared. That is a problem, but we have to adapt.”
