Manchester City not training for FA Cup final – Pep Guardiola blames tight schedule

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Friday he would have preferred to prepare for the FA Cup final in seven days, as did opponents Chelsea, but acknowledged the compressed schedule is the price for success in other domestic competitions.

With City also winning the League Cup this season, the schedule is tight with Premier League and FA Cup matches in the home phase of the season as the country chases a domestic treble.

City are two points behind Arsenal in the Premier League and Guardiola said the hasty preparation following Wednesday’s win over Crystal Palace was far from ideal ahead of Saturday’s final at Wembley Stadium.

“I would prefer to have seven days like Chelsea, but if you reach the final of the Carabao Cup (League ⁠Cup) and you win one of these domestic trophies, then you have fewer days,” Guardiola told reporters.

«The schedule is what it is. Of course it is not ideal, but we have done it in the past and we will have to do it tomorrow. The big clubs, when you are in more difficult conditions than the opponent, you do extra to try. It is not the perfect scenario to prepare for the final, because we have not trained at all since Crystal Palace. But I trust a lot in what we have to do, and we are going to try,» he added.

READ ALSO | Carrick says a decision will be made soon on his future as Man United manager

City have reached their fourth FA Cup final in a row, but Guardiola said he hopes they can “do better than the last two times” and make their fans proud after defeats to Manchester United in 2024 and Crystal Palace last year.

“The message (to the players) is how we have to move, run and play against Chelsea to beat them,” he said.

“It’s the FA Cup final at Wembley with two prestigious clubs, with our fans making an incredible effort to come to London, which is not cheap today, and try to perform as best as they can to win,” he added.

Wembley holds a special place in Guardiola’s heart, having won the Champions League title at the stadium with Barcelona, ​​while leading City to the iconic arena ⁠24 times.

«I’m so disappointed in English football because it hasn’t taken a stand (renamed) for Pep… That’s how many times I’ve been there, so at least a lounge or a box. Maybe I have to go there another 24 times. It’s definitely been a special place,» he joked.

Guardiola said he will make a late fitness call on midfielder Rodri while the rest of the squad is fit.

Published on May 15, 2026