Mizgan Masani
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is thinking about the FA Cup Final against United even before the Brentford game
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted that he is thinking about the FA Cup Final ahead of their last league game against Brentford.
City wrapped up another league title last week and have rotated players around against Chelsea and Brighton and Hove Albion. They have another dead rubber to play later today before preparing for the cup final against United next Saturday.
United, on the other hand, face Fulham in an inconsequential game as the Red Devils secured the Champions League football with a win over Chelsea on Thursday. But, Erik ten Hag wants to beat Fulham and confirm the third spot in the league and take this game as a preparation for the final.
Here’s what Pep said when asked whether he is thinking about United one week out from the big game (h/t Manchester Evening News):
“In the finals that is a decisive aspect to control. After they [Brentford] make high pressing, man-to-man, like Brighton, how we can beat them? They drop defensively, 40 metres, 11 players, how can you break that? Important for our future. A good test and good proof. Go for it. A really good test.
“Of course I’m thinking United and I’m thinking Inter Milan. More than Brentford. To visualise winning I have to work and know the opponent. Study the opponent to give all we do to be close to winning. Brentford and United and Inter will also want to win. They study.”
City will want to win the FA Cup to take another step towards emulating what United did in 1999 – winning the actual treble (Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup). The Red Devils have held a proud record of being the only English side to have done that.
But, on Saturday, ten Hag’s men have it in their hands to stop Guardiola’s men from doing that. In the process, they can notch up a domestic cup double, which would be fantastic in the Dutchman’s first season in charge of the team.
It should be an interesting game between two teams playing with contrasting styles. In the latest clash between the city rivals, United got the better of their noisy neighbours by playing a patient defensive game with a constant threat of counter-attacks through Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford.
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Something on that note might be required if ten Hag’s men are to beat City at Wembley.
