Bernardo Silva has slammed the football schedule after learning Manchester City will be forced to play two games in three days.
City already had three games in eight days when they return from international duty, including their most difficult Champions League match against Inter Milan followed by their biggest Premier League rivals Arsenal. For reasons beyond their control, they must now face Watford in the Carabao Cup 49 hours after they walk off the pitch against the Gunners.
With a trip to Newcastle at lunchtime the following Saturday, a Wednesday fixture in the League Cup was the only day that would allow adequate rest for the players. However, UEFA were unwilling to move a Europa League fixture at Old Trafford on that night - the competition is normally reserved for Thursdays - and Greater Manchester Police do not have the capacity to host two major games a few miles away from each other on the same night.
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While there has been no official comment from the club, Bernardo Silva was asked about the crammed calendar before he played 90 minutes for Portugal against Croatia. Unsurprisingly, the 29-year-old was not impressed.
"I think there are two completely different issues here," he said. "When the players complain, people say that players can't complain about the life they have. And they're right because we're fulfilling a dream and we do what we do.
"On the other hand, the schedule is completely crazy. We've just received the news that we only have one day off for the English League Cup game.
"We play Arsenal, we rest for a day and
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