Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes winning the FA Cup would be a significant achievement for the club, despite a disappointing season by their high standards.
Manchester City face a crucial match against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, with the possibility of a trophyless season looming if they fail to win.
The club’s focus is fixed on lifting the FA Cup trophy for the third consecutive time, Guardiola emphasised at the pre-match press conference.
“That is the problem, right? The FA Cup now is not the first choice (trophy). “Once we are here, of course, we want the trophy. It is massively important,” he said.
Guardiola highlighted the importance of being in the final and the challenge of winning previous games to reach this stage.
“But to win the trophy, you have to be there. And to have to be there, you have to win previous games. And we have done it for many, many years in the last years, ” he added.
Erling Haaland is expected to start after recovering from a six-week injury absence.
Guardiola stated he is not thinking about managing Kevin De Bruyne’s minutes, despite the midfielder’s potential departure from the club.
However, he is cautious about rushing back Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who is nearing a return from cruciate ligament damage.
“Rodri is much, much better,” Guardiola said. “I am waiting for the doctors.
”When they tell me when he is ready, he is going to start. We don’t want to take a risk and take a step back.” The City boss prioritises caution over rushing Rodri back to the lineup.
