“It’s a disaster.”That was Pep Guardiola’s reaction after watching his Manchester City side draw 1-1 with Liverpool.No, he wasn’t talking about the decision to award City a controversial first half penalty or Kevin de Bruyne’s effort from the spot-kick which he dragged wide.He was talking about the Premier League’s decision not to employ the five substation rule.In Europe’s top leagues as well as the European competitions, a five-sub rule is in place to protect the players in this more compact season.However, Premier League clubs voted against it.And it was something that both Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp spoke about at the final whistle.The two managers were seen deep in conversation and Sky Sports reporter, Geoff Shreeves, asked whether it was about the result.
But Pep revealed it was actually about the substitution rule after they witnessed Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up a calf injury in the second half.
"At the end of the game, Jürgen and I talked about how we have to fight again and again for 5 subs. Look, Trent Alexander-Arnold is injured, England international player. Everywhere else they have 5 subs but here we believe we are special people. We don't protect the players. It's a disaster."
It’s something that Klopp has previously called for and, after the game, he said: "Again, we have to talk again about the 5 subs. Maybe if 14 teams say no and six do then let us make 5 subs when we play each other. We want to play football Wednesday night and 12.30 Saturday should not be allowed.
"Wednesday teams should not be in contention for the 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday, Sky, BT, whoever need to speak. If we continue like this, if the Euros happen, let's see who is part of that. We have to start thinking."