“The Best Way To Prepare For The Final Is To Be Ready”
Written By Onyeka Daniel
History beckons for Manchester City as they’ve the chance of winning a historic treble this season as they prepare to face Manchester United in the final of the FA Cup and also Inter Milan in the final of the UEFA Champions League in Istanbul next month, having already wrapped up the EPL title with two games to spare.
More Details
Arsenal’s defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday confirmed City’s fifth title in six years. They celebrated their latest title triumph by beating Chelsea on Sunday and travel to Brighton on Wednesday before concluding their league campaign at Brentford on Sunday.
But Pep Guardiola is refusing to be carried away by the current form of his team as he calls for more preparedness ahead of the two remaining finals. City have the FA Cup final at Wembley on June 3 before the Champions League final against Inter Milan in Istanbul a week later.
LATEST POSTS
Guardiola said a drop-off in intensity levels was inevitable after City hunted down Arsenal in the title race, but he urged his players to keep focused. “They have to be ready to run a lot,” said the City boss.
“The best way to prepare for the final is be ready. The players set the standards, they have to maintain it. “It’s normal the energy would drop. Arsenal play for just the Premier League. We have FA Cup, Champions League, the energy we use is massive.
“It’s normal you drop, you have to avoid it or don’t drop much otherwise the two teams (Brighton and Brentford) can hurt us. Play our game, adapt the way we play, arrive to United and Inter in the best condition possible.”
City’s deep squad means Guardiola has plenty of options to rest players Against Chelsea he made nine changes, including a first Premier League start for England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who has had a difficult first season since arriving from Leeds.
Guardiola insisted all his players still have a part to play. “Everyone can have an influence, sometimes five minutes is as important as the rest,” he said. “Everyone has been important, everyone has been involved in the fact we are where we are.” He further added.
Meanwhile…
Liverpool are preparing to join the race for Crystal Palace defender, Marc Guehi in the summer to shore up their defense ahead of next season but they will have to contend with other interested EPL clubs for his signature.
Read Also: It’s Now Or Never For Pep Guardiola And Manchester City In The UEFA Champions League
Guehi came through at Chelsea but was snapped up by Palace after some impressive loan spells and they have managed to tie him down to the club until 2026 meaning they hold the cards as it stands.
However, a big bid could tempt Palace into selling a player that they bought for €18 million. Palace are believed to be wanting around £50m to even consider selling a player who has been magnificent so far for the club, especially under Roy Hodgson.
Do you have a story tip?
Kindly Email: keepup@bettitude.com
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube
About Author
