Pep Guardiola pointed out that the Premier League and the 14 clubs not signed up to the European Super League (ESL) plans are as self-interested as the six clubs that have broken ranks.
City's manager spoke emphatically about how damaging a league with no relegation or promotion could be, describing how it could not be considered sport. He was also angry about the lack of communication from anybody involved in the project that has meant him and fellow managers Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp have had to be the spokesperson for something they have not been involved with and are not clued up on.
But the Blues boss also pointed out that the clubs and organisations not involved that have come out and spoken against the ESL are doing it to protect what they want rather than any altruistic reasons.
Citing the fixture pile-up and the decision not to allow five substitutions in the Premier League earlier in the season in the middle of the pandemic, Guardiola accused everyone involved in that of acting in their own best interests rather than acting for the welfare of the players.
"When we defined this season as the most difficult season in the world with the Covid pandemic, we fought for five substitutions and every team looked out for themselves, not for the players," he said. "Don't say now this is for the Big Six, it is completely unfair
"Everyone looks out for themselves - and that is the point."
