Pep Guardiola unsure about strength of COVID protocols | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola is unsure how effective the Premier League’s COVID protocols will be in keeping the infection rates down across the division.

Manchester City beat Birmingham City 3-0 in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday without Sergio Agüero, who is having to self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.

Aston Villa and Fulham have also recently been struck down with multiple cases leading to postponed games in recent weeks.

The Premier League reminded players to adhere to the strict protocols in place last week, advising players not to congregate in celebration, shake hands or swap shirts.

However, the City boss is unsure if the rules go far enough.

Speaking after the win over Birmingham, Guardiola said: “We are going to follow the protocols.

“But when one guy scores a goal, I don’t know if they can be controlled.

“We are playing a game because we all tested negative.

“I don’t know what is going to happen but when someone scores a goal I don’t know if he’s going to think he’s unable to hug his mate for two or three seconds.”

Ederson and Ferran Torres all returned to training following their recent positive COVID tests on Saturday.