Guardiola praised Palace for their recent performance, saying they have been doing well in their second half of the season. He noted that the team has had a year with the same coach, Oliver Glasner, and has been working together. He also emphasized that it's a privilege to be in the final for the third time in a row and that his team needs to perform well to win.
When asked about Palace's attacking lineup, which includes Eberechi Eze, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Ismaïla Sarr, Guardiola said they are a threat because of their quality. He highlighted Mateta's strength, Eze's skill, and Sarr's speed. He also mentioned Palace's well-structured defense and their strong set pieces.
Guardiola also discussed the importance of the FA Cup, saying it's a massively important trophy for his team. He acknowledged that City didn't start well in their last meeting with Palace, but they played well before conceding a goal. He emphasized that the FA Cup is not the team's first priority, but they want to win it.
Guardiola also expressed his appreciation for the fans, particularly those who travel from Manchester to London to support the team. He thanked them for their loyalty and commitment to the club.
Finally, Guardiola provided an update on midfielder Rodri, who has been recovering from an ACL injury. He said Rodri is making good progress and will start when the doctors give the green light, but he doesn't want to risk taking a step back and injuring him again.
The FA Cup final is a big opportunity for Manchester City to add another trophy to their collection.