Guardiola´s decision not to name full bench leaves Gary...
Gary Neville has called Pep Guardiola’s decision to only name six substitutes for Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Burnley “a joke”.
With David Silva, Leroy Sane, Fabian Delph, Gabriel Jesus, Benjamin Mendy and John Stones all absent, Guardiola headed to Turf Moor with only a 17-man squad.
The City manager said he did not have any other players available as City’s youngsters were in Premier League 2 action on Friday night, losing 1-0 at home to Swansea.
Pep Guardiola was short of numbers at Turf Moor (Richard Sellers/PA)
That did not impress Neville, who said a youngster could have been given a taste of the first-team environment even if he was not going to actually play.
“I think it’s a joke, I absolutely think it’s a joke,” Neville said Sky Sports.
“If you’re a youth team manager at Manchester City, ring him up and ask which kid deserves that boost. Who has been playing well this season and who has worked hard?
“Forget the second team. Even if they played yesterday, bring one and put them on the bench. Bring a kid to travel with the team, help the kit man and put him on the bench to have the experience of being in a Premier League game. Give someone a boost at the club.
“If you’re the Academy or reserve team manager at Manchester City you must think, ‘I’m wasting my time’.”