Pep Guardiola has backed a proposed change to the transfer window rules which he feels hands Manchester City ’s European rivals an advantage.
The Blues boss said that the Premier League ’s decision to place the summer transfer deadline on the eve of the start of the season is good.
But he says that the fact that other big leagues in Europe have stuck with a September 1 date hands them an extra month in which to gear up for the season.
City proposed a change to the rules during a Premier League shareholders’ meeting this week, which would ensure all domestic transfers have to be completed before the start of the season, but international deals have until September.
Guardiola admits he likes the idea of having his squad completed by the opening day of the season, but suggested that City’s proposal is a good compromise.
“I like to finish the window the day before the season - there may be a solution but we are at a disadvantage to other teams in Europe. It’s a good idea,” he said.
“I would not like it at the start of the season, after three weeks it is open and three, four or five players maybe coming, when you are playing for points.
“We won the last Premier League by just one point. All the managers believe the same - start with the people we work with. The rumours come and players believe they want to be sold and that’s not good.”
