Carlo Ancelotti fires message to Pep Guardiola following Man City complaints about Champions League

Carlo Ancelotti has responded to Pep Guardiola following complaints about fixture scheduling.

Real Madrid will welcome Manchester City to the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, April 9, for the Champions League quarterfinal first-leg. After cruising past Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, Los Blancos now have over a week to prepare for their clash against the Premier League champions.

Meanwhile, Manchester City must play Aston Villa on Wednesday evening before travelling to south London to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon. Then, only then, will Guardiola's side have time to fly to the Spanish capital and begin preparations for a crucial Champions League tie against Real Madrid.

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Speaking ahead of Manchester City's title showdown against Arsenal at the weekend, the former Barcelona boss highlighted the congested fixture schedule. He said: "Madrid have nine days to prepare for our game.

"Nine days! They play this weekend and then not again until our game – while I am thinking, 'Oh, just give me one more day!

"With one more day the difference is a lot – but there is no chance. That’s why, when you ask me about changes to the calendar, I give my opinion – but forget about it."

Ancelotti accepted that Manchester City have drawn a short straw, but he insisted that the fixture scheduling won't be a decisive factor in the clash. The Real Madrid boss said: "I see the calendar well. Obviously, they have a more complicated schedule. We have a small advantage in this regard, but it will not determine the outcome of the match."

When asked if such a