Chelsea are in Pep Guardiola’s head after laughable early excuse

For a manager who has dominated English football for the best part of a decade, Pep Guardiola already appears to be getting his excuses early ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Despite Chelsea not beating City since the 2021 Champions League final, the Spaniard has raised concerns about fatigue and distance while discussing preparations for Sunday’s final, suggesting his side are at a disadvantage because they will have to travel further.

It’s difficult to take the City manager seriously given the resources and squad depth City possess particularly when they have one of the most expensive squads in world football.

Pep Guardiola’s FA Cup final comments sounds like early excuses

Speaking after his team’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, Guardiola, via the Manchester City website, eluded to Chelsea having an unfair advantage this weekend.

“Of course, (we have the) FA Cup final, but we also have three days. Chelsea are at home preparing the final. We have to travel to London, and they will be at home.

That is fatigue and fatigue and fatigue. I have full confidence in all the squad. Imagine all the players that didn’t play today, they are so good.”

There is no doubt fixture congestion can have an impact at this stage of the season, but coming to London from Manchester is hardly travelling to the other side of the world.

And it isn’t like Chelsea haven’t had injuries to contend with as well as multiple competitions to compete in. So Guardiola pointing out the distance as a disadvantage feels slightly unconvincing, to say the least.

All the pressure is on Manchester City and Guardiola knows it

Whether intentional or not, there is a sense Guardiola has attempted to alleviate some of the pressure on his players.

Interestingly, that might reflect his feelings that Chelsea could pose a genuine threat at Wembley. Because if fatigue and a lack of preparation are already on his mind, his side will lose some of the aura of invincibility they normally carry into finals.

Chelsea, meanwhile, head into the final with relatively little expectation on their shoulders despite their great performances against Liverpool last time out.

Calum McFarlane’s tactical setup against Liverpool last weekend, which saw Marc Cucurella in an advanced role, made the team far more balanced. And with Alejandro Garnacho a major doubt to play, fans can probably expect to see a similar line up again this weekend.

Admittedly, this doesn’t suddenly make the Blues favourites to beat City and lift the FA Cup, but it certainly offers an explanation as to why Guardiola is making excuses before a ball has even been kicked.