Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hit out at the Football Association by claiming that the glut of fixtures around the festive period will "kill the players".
The Premier League leaders returned to winning ways with a 3-1 win over Watford, two days after they were held to a goalless draw at Crystal Palace.
City played nine games over December and will play a further six in January following Tuesday night's home game, prompting Guardiola to suggest that the fixture overload is "not normal".
"We played really well," the Spaniard told BBC Sport. "After dropping two points, we spoke about our reaction because big teams drop points but not too much.
"We made five changes from the last game but it's not our fault. I know here in England the show must go on, but that's not normal guys. The big bosses should reflect that.
"We're going to kill the players. The federations don't think about the players but they have to. They play 11 months in a row. They have to protect them and play with quality and not quality. We have to think about the artists. But I know it won't happen.
"Watford scored because they have good players. We will review the action but people can not expect us to win 7-0 every time."
City return to action on Saturday with an FA Cup third-round game against Burnley at the Etihad Stadium.
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