Pep Guardiola has made a startling admission about Manchester City's preparations for the FA Cup final, revealing that his side have not been able to train due to their congested fixture list. City face Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday, with the match sandwiched between Premier League fixtures as they chase silverware.
Four games in 12 days
City beat Crystal Palace 3-0 on Wednesday night to maintain pressure on league leaders Arsenal, in what was the first of four matches in just 12 days. The Palace game was rearranged from earlier in the season due to City's Carabao Cup run. Guardiola's side are favourites to add the FA Cup to the Carabao Cup they won in March, but they must navigate a gruelling schedule.
After Saturday's final, City travel to Bournemouth on Tuesday before concluding their season at home to Aston Villa next Sunday. Arsenal currently lead the Premier League by two points, but Guardiola insists the FA Cup remains a priority.
Guardiola's honest assessment
Asked if the Bournemouth game would influence his team selection for the final, Guardiola responded: "Zero. It's the final of the FA Cup." He added: "I would prefer seven days like Chelsea had, but when you win the Carabao Cup and reach the final of one of these domestic trophies you have to live with less days."
Guardiola acknowledged the challenge: "It's not the perfect scenario to prepare for the final because we did not train absolutely anything since the last game against Crystal Palace, but I rely a lot on what we have to do - and we're going to try."
Team news and preparations
Despite the hectic schedule, City have a near fully-fit squad, with Rodri the only injury doubt. Erling Haaland and Nico O'Reilly were rested for the Palace win and should be fresh for Wembley. Guardiola admitted he has not had time to review Chelsea's previous match against City, a 1-1 draw in January, but plans to do so on the train to London.
He noted: "I saw their last game against Liverpool, because I like to see what the vibe and the tone of the team is like." City are aiming for their fourth successive FA Cup final appearance, having lost the last two.
