Pep Guardiola was seen speaking to several Crystal Palace players after Manchester City's 3-0 win on Wednesday, sparking suggestions he was rallying them to do his side a favour when they face Arsenal on the final day of the season.
City's victory, with goals from Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush, and Savinho, moved them within two points of league leaders Arsenal with two games remaining. The Gunners, chasing their first title since 2004, travel to Selhurst Park to face Palace in their final match.
Guardiola was all smiles at full-time, chatting with Palace's Jefferson Lerma, Maxence Lacroix, and Adam Wharton. Sky Sports pundits joked that the Catalan was giving the Eagles advice. Palace manager Oliver Glasner has hinted at resting players ahead of their Europa Conference League final, but insists it won't affect the title race.
“To be honest, if somebody criticises me, it would be nonsense. It’s just the last game but there are 37 games played before,” Glasner said. Guardiola acknowledged the situation: “It depends on them [Arsenal]. If they win two games, nothing to do, nothing to talk.”
City face Chelsea in the FA Cup final this weekend, followed by Bournemouth and Aston Villa. Guardiola stressed the need to focus on their own matches, saying, “All we can be is in there just in case.”
