Pep Guardiola: EPL has no right to interfere with Oliver Glasner's team selection

Pep Guardiola: EPL has no right to interfere with Oliver Glasner's team selection

His comments come ahead of a decisive final day fixture at Selhurst Park, where Arsenal could be involved in a title-defining clash against Crystal Palace.

Glasner has indicated he may rotate his squad, citing the UEFA Conference League final just three days later as a priority.

That possibility has fuelled debate over competitive integrity, though Glasner has dismissed the criticism as "nonsense", stressing his responsibility lies solely with his club's interests.

"I don't know what we're doing yet," Glasner said. "Maybe we'll be playing with the same line-up that we'll play against Rayo [Vallecano].

"It feels like the league title (may be) decided on the last day, but at the end, it's a result of 38 matchdays and everybody gets what they deserve. To be honest, if somebody criticises (me for this), it would be nonsense.

"It's (not) just the last game. There were 37 games played before and that means if another team rotated against City or Arsenal, they affected the title race as well.

"I'm not responsible for Arsenal, and I'm not responsible for Manchester City. I'm responsible for Crystal Palace, and I get paid for doing the best things for Crystal Palace."

Guardiola backed that stance, arguing managers should select any side they deem appropriate and adding that excuses should not follow if the title is missed.

"Leave the managers to do what they have to do," the City boss said.

"The less the Premier League is involved in all the decisions, will be better for all of us. So, leave it all over, so the managers do what they have to do. No problem."

Manchester City remain in pursuit of the championship, aiming to close the gap to two points before facing Bournemouth, a result that could extend the race to the final day.
 

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