Premier League Covid circuit breaker: Pep Guardiola will ‘support 100 per cent’ league doctors over suspension

Pep Guardiola says he will support any Premier League decision to have a “circuit breaker” halt to fixtures if the authorities make that call.

The Premier League will hold a meeting on Monday to discuss the escalating crisis after 10 matches were called off this weekend. Chelsea had asked for their fixture against Wolves to be postponed as well amid rising cases and there was an air of farce as crucial players were missing from the matches that were played.

Manchester City went top of the league with a 4-0 defeat of Newcastle but Guardiola would not object if fixtures were halted. He also made the point that the outbreak was “inevitable” given the lack of mitigating measures in the UK.

“I don’t have an opinion on that (circuit breaker). When the doctors, the scientists, the Premier League or whatever take a decision, I will support 100 per cent,” he said.

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“It’s not a problem for the Premier League, it’s a problem for society. I see people around in the streets and area, nobody [wearing] masks, nobody socially-distanced, so that’s why it’s going to happen sooner or later. Nobody protects themselves and the family.

“We try to create a good environment our people, our players, the staff and backroom staff to realise the danger is still already here and you have to be alert.

“We have to try knowing that it’s not easy because it’s not a problem for the Premier League of the football world, it’s a problem worldwide that’s still out there.

“The virus is still out there, the new variant is there and what the Premier League is going to decide, we are going to support.”

Guardiola’s men made light work of a Newcastle side who were once again architects of their own downfall after an early mix-up between Ciaran Clark and Martin Dubravka paved the way for Reuben Dias to nod into an empty net after four minutes.

A superb goal from Joao Cancelo before strikes from Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling gave the visitors a thumping win. But Guardiola felt his side barely deserved the comfortable victory.

“It was a good result, an exceptional result, and a very not good performance at all, especially in the first half, when we were lucky, ” he said.

Fans have so far been able to attend Premier League games this season (Photo: Reuters)

“But the way we played in the first half was one of the poorest of the season. But it made me happy how we weren’t distracted for the points. I realise the margin (of victory) but we have to be a better team. Every player played not completely focused and the second half was much better. “You can’t be brilliant all the time. we deserved the victory, but we know we can do better and better. Of course, in these games when you aren’t brilliant or consistent, for the simple things, you take a result. “It is so important in a long season like we have ahead of us.”

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