‘We start to bring the hope for the last game’ – Guardiola after Man City close gap on Arsenal by beating Crystal Palace

Stay up to date with all the latest Manchester City news by joining our Man City WhatsApp channel.

“It’s not just the FA Cup final, after we have Bournemouth three days (later),” Guardiola said when asked about his decision to rotate ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final.

“Chelsea have been all week at home training, preparing for the final. We have to travel to London, they will be at home with their wives and kids, so that is fatigue.

“I have full confidence in all of the squad. I thought we needed energy. Savinho had an incredible game, the strikers Omar and Antoine as well. Overall it was really good against a team that always create problems. Three goals against Brentford, three goals here, I cannot ask for more and now it’s just incredible focus for the FA Cup final.”

Guardiola was also full of praise for Phil Foden, who rewarded his manager’s decision to start him by setting up City’s first two goals.

“You need quality, spark, vision, talent, something not in the tactical boards, not in the meetings, not in the training,” Guardiola said. “He creates something in small spaces that only the good players can deliver. Really pleased for him.

“Phil close to the box is just unique.”

If you enjoy our articles, help us out by making Hayters.com one of your preferred sources on Google by clicking here.