By Willow Austin
Published on 2024-05-25 04:20:06
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola warned his players to be at their best against their local rivals Manchester United in the Emirate FA Cup final on Saturday at the Wembley Stadium.
The Cityzens are the favourites heading into the game after finishing 31 points above the Red Devils in the league. However, Pep warned his players to remain in focus and avoid reducing their standards, else they will suffer a shocking defeat.
The Catalan insisted that what played out in the league and the position of Manchester United on the league table has nothing to do with the final because they are different competitions.
The Man City boss claimed that the match will be difficult, contrary to people’s opinions that it will be an easy victory for the Premier League champions.
“We are used to it,” said Guardiola. “Because we finished 31 points in front of United, people say it will be easy. I understand that.
“But it’s a different competition, just one game. It can be 10 against 11, there can be bad decisions, mistakes – whatever – and you can lose a game.
“We know we can lose a game. Over long periods, we have been better than United these past years, it’s obvious. It’s facts – every game we are there,” the City boss said, according to Metro Sport.
“But in one game, anything can happen. The players know it and feel it. So I hope we’re ready to play the last game of the season and try to win the FA Cup. It’s the FA Cup, it’s – wow! That’s why it deserves all of our focus.”
A victory for Manchester City will make them the first club to win the Emirate FA Cup and the League title back-to-back. They won both trophies last season and having become the league champions once again, they will focus on winning the FA Cup to create history.
