Josep Guardiola’s Manchester City side breezed past Crystal Palace to see the Catalan chatting to a number of the Eagles’ stars, who still have to play against Arsenal this season.
Josep Guardiola was seen speaking full-time to a number of Crystal Palace stars ahead of the game against Arsenal in less than two weeks (Image: Sky Sports)
Manager Josep Guardiola circulated among several Crystal Palace players after Wednesday’s win over Manchester City, suggesting he was mobilizing them to give his side an advantage when they face Arsenal.
At the Etihad, the title-chasing team achieved a routine 3-0 victory with goals from Antoine Semenho and Omar Marmouche. City were within two points of league leaders Arsenal with two games in hand, and Sabinho wrapped up the game in the second half.
The Gunners, aiming for their first title since 2004, will face Palace in their final game of the season at Selhurst Park. City are likely to need a favor from the Eagles to win the title, as they will need Arsenal to fail.
Guardiola was all smiles as Sky Sports pundits joked that he was going around giving advice to Palace players. The Catalan was seen chatting with the likes of Jefferson Lerma, Maxence Lacroix and Adam Wharton.
read more: The battle for the Premier League title is likely to be decided between Arsenal and Man City.read more: Man City beat Crystal Palace with ease and keep pressure on Arsenal in title race
Palace have assembled a strong squad for the trip to Manchester, but there is talk of resting their top players for the final game of the season. Oliver Glasner’s side are preparing for the Europa Conference League final in late May and the Austrian has hinted that he may manage his players’ workloads, but insists this will not affect their title prospects.
“To be honest, it’s nonsense for anyone to criticize me. It’s the last game, but 37 games have been played so far. So if another team in Round 25 rotates with City or Arsenal, it will affect the title race,” Glasner said recently.
Guardiola’s side will now turn their focus to this weekend’s FA Cup final, when they face Chelsea at Wembley. They then play Bournemouth and then Aston Villa on the final day. Six points are likely to be needed if they want to be champions, but City manager insists they can only apply pressure.
Adam Wharton remains one of Crystal Palace’s most influential players
“It’s up to them (Arsenal). If they win two games, there’s nothing to do or talk about,” he said. “All we can do is be there just in case. The last two games are tough. And all we can do now is sleep as soon as possible and prepare for the FA Cup. That’s what we have to do.”
“But this is not just the FA Cup final. Three days later it’s Bournemouth. So you go to London and they (players) will be at home with their wives and children. So it’s tired, it’s exhausting.”
Guardiola has never won consecutive league titles in consecutive years in his managerial career, but Liverpool’s victory last season means the City boss could be ruled out for another two years after winning six titles in seven years.
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