Although Manchester City’s first focus was not the FA Cup this season, manager Pep Guardiola vowed on Friday that the team will go all out to win the cup at Wembley this weekend. This marks third straight final.
According to striker Erling Haaland, city have had a “horrific season; Guardiola’s side dropped by the wayside in the Premier League title contest while they were also eliminated in the Champions League knockout phase playoffs.”
City is fourth in the Premier League and still to guarantee Champions League participation for next season and winning the FA Cup when they play Crystal Palace on Saturday could not be sufficient to save their campaign.
“That is the issue; the FA Cup is not currently first choice. Of course, we do want it. Naturally, once we arrive here, we yearn for the prize. It is quite crucial, Guardiola told reporters.
“Last season, it was a letdown (losing to Manchester United). We are going to compete against them, though, and I am rather convinced we will perform well.
“This is the FA Cup’s last final; it is an honour and a privilege. Third time in a succession; we have to do well. We fly to London in search of the championship.
Oliver Glasner’s Palace, who eliminated other Premier League teams Fulham and Aston Villa to advance to the championship, also received compliments from Pep Guardiola.
Having dropped in the final in 1990 and 2016 and lost to Manchester United on both times, Palace, who ranks 12th in the league table, is looking for their first major prize.
“That is a really good team. Their second section of the season has been really outstanding. Oliver working with the same players has had more than a year, Guardiola remarked.
“Their quality makes them a hazard. (Striker Jean-Philippe) Mateta is strong; the Eberechi Eze talent is clear and naturally the pace from (fellow forward Ismaila) Sarr… (Adam) Wharton is a pretty solid holding midfielder.
“Their set-pieces are among the best in the Premier League; their defensive organization is excellent.”
Though he will wait for the doctors to get the all-clear given the 28-year-old has not played since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in September, Pep Guardiola stated City’s Spain midfielder Rodri is “much, much better”.
“He will start when they inform me he is ready. We wouldn’t want to gamble and back off,” he said.
