Pep Guardiola has assured Manchester City fans his team will do their utmost effort to secure victory against cross-city rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
Saturday’s all-Manchester title decider at Wembley Stadium is the second leg of the treble the Cityzens are desperate to acquire this season after winning a third consecutive Premier League title.
Keen to become the first Premier League manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to achieve that milestone, Guardiola has promised his men will leave their hearts on the pitch against bitter rivals.
“I will ask our fans to behave properly first and, secondly, go there to enjoy an incredible event, knowing the players will give everything to beat Man United,” he said, as relayed by the Independent.
“The consequences and the result, who knows it? I don’t know it. [United manager] Erik ten Hag doesn’t know it.
“It’s a football game. Enjoy the moment and enjoy next week to prepare for the [Champions League] final, to dream of seeing the team. It’s the best way.”
Man City capped off another title-winning Premier League campaign with an underwhelming 1-0 defeat at Brentford, but they had a week to rest and prepare for this fixture.
After reaching the Wembley showpiece without conceding a single goal, Guardiola’s men are favourites to win their first FA Cup since 2018/19.
However, though the odds are stacked against the second-most successful team in FA Cup history, Man United know in-depth about defying expectations.
Ten Hag’s side came from behind to beat Man City 2-1 in their last league encounter and won the League Cup in February, courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United.
The Red Devils have plenty of incentive to upset Guardiola’s troops on Saturday, considering it would keep them as the only English winners of the coveted treble.
With that in mind, the Spanish manager hopes to have his players fully focused and Man City fans at their best to bring the club one step closer to making history in June.
