'It suits me very well!' - Real Madrid veteran Toni Kroos happy for nine-day break ahead of Champions League clash against Man City but does not expect 'big advantage' despite Pep Guardiola's complaints

On the other side of the spectrum, Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has launched a scathing attack on the FA and Premier League, accusing them of undermining City's efforts to defend their treble. Not for the first time, Guardiola expressed frustration over the congested fixture schedule that sees City facing seven games in 21 days, including crucial encounters against Real Madrid and in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea

Guardiola said: "Madrid have nine days to prepare for our game. Nine days! They play this weekend and then not again until our game - while I am thinking, 'Oh, just give me one more day!'

‌"With one more day the difference is a lot - but there is no chance. That's why, when you ask me about changes to the calendar, I give my opinion - but forget about it. I defend my club and for my club it's really tough playing every three days, three days, three days - and the other clubs don't have that situation.

‌"In France, PSG don't play between their quarter-final games. In Portugal, they often play on Friday before the Champions League. They (the FA and Premier League ) have their own business and their own decisions."

In response to Guardiola's comments, Kroos offered a contrasting perspective. In a podcast with his brother Felix called "Einfach mal Luppen," although Kroos acknowledged the unusual nature of the nine-day break, he suggested that it won't significantly impact the outcome of the match against City.

"We are not used to not playing for nine days," the German midfielder said. "If you ask me today, it suits me very well. It won't be a disadvantage for us but I don't know if it will be a big advantage. We are all used to playing every week."

With tensions running high and the stakes escalating ahead of the showdown, the clash over fixture scheduling adds an intriguing subplot to what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter on the European stage. Real Madrid last played against Athletic Club on Sunday and will be back against City next Tuesday. Whereas, the Premier League outfit have a match against Crystal Palace to deal with on Saturday before they fly to Spain for the continental fixture.