The FA Cup final is on the agenda for Chelsea next, and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is already trying to play the mind games.
The 2026 FA Cup final at Wembley presents a daunting task for Chelsea as they face a dominant Manchester City side. This match marks Chelsea’s 17th appearance in the final, but they enter with a heavy burden, having lost their last three FA Cup finals.
Conversely, City is making history as the first team to reach four consecutive finals, though they surprisingly lost the previous two to Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
The head-to-head record heavily favors City, who are currently on a 13-game unbeaten streak against the Blues, their longest in history, dating back to Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League final victory.
Recent meetings have reinforced this gap, including a 3-0 City win at Stamford Bridge just last month.
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Pep Guardiola is worried about Man City’s fatigue ahead of the FA Cup final against Chelsea
Speaking after Man City’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola pointed out how the Chelsea squad have been resting all week ahead of Saturday.
“Chelsea have been at home all week, training and preparing. We have to travel to London, they will be at home with their wife and kids.
“So that is fatigue, and fatigue, and fatigue.. I have full confidence in the whole squad.”
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Chelsea XI vs City in 2021
Pep Guardiola starts the FA Cup mind games
Pep Guardiola’s comments are a masterclass in psychological warfare, designed to frame Manchester City as exhausted underdogs despite their clear advantages.
By emphasising Chelsea’s domestic comforts and City’s travel schedule, he deflects the pressure of being heavy favorites while subtly lowering expectations.
In reality, Guardiola’s expert squad rotation meant most key starters were rested during the midweek, leaving them fresh for Wembley.
While he cries fatigue, City enters the final in far superior form compared to Chelsea’s erratic run.
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