Manchester City manager, Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola, criticized the Etihad Stadium grass field manager. According to him, the quality of the grass in the stadium is far behind compared to Anfield (Liverpool) and Old Trafford (Manchester United).
The lack of preparations for the new season has forced the Etihad Stadium management to maintain the old grass. The decision then had fatal consequences entering the winter which took place in December-March in England.
Unfortunately, in that period Man City played at home more often. In fact, Sergio Aguero and friends played four times at the Etihad in the last 11 days! The high intensity of the fight, plus the cold weather, caused the quality of the grass to decline considerably.
The poor quality of grass at the Etihad has drawn criticism from Pep Guardiola. He acknowledged that the management is working hard to improve the field. For him, good quality grass is very necessary to support the game.
“They are working hard and trying to find solutions. However, the quality of the grass was not very good. All players know how good the grass is in this stadium, but the weather is very bad, “grunted Pep Guardiola, quoted from ESPN, Saturday (13/3/2021).
“In London against Arsenal, Anfield (Liverpool), Old Trafford (Man United), Budapest, the grass is better. So amazing, feels like a carpet. Here, no good. We need good grass, “added the Spaniard.
Luckily, Man City will not play at the Etihad until at least April 10, 2021. The Citizens have been caught playing twice away in the Premier League and once in the 2020-2021 FA Cup.
Actually, Man City have one home match in the 2020-2021 Champions League against Borussia Monchengladbach. However, the second leg match of the last 16 was moved to a neutral arena, the Puskas Arena Stadium, in Budapest, Hungary, due to travel restrictions.
Man City will host Gladbach at a neutral venue
This condition can be used by Etihad Stadium administrators to improve field grass. Approximately three weeks is enough to return the field grass in prime condition.
Man City itself still has three home games, including against Leeds United, in the remaining 11 matches in the 2020-2021 Premier League. This number could increase if they qualify for the 2020-2021 Champions League Quarter-finals, of course without travel restrictions.
