Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (55) addressed the media ahead of what he described as a “difficult” Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, scheduled for matchday 31.
City host the Eagles at the Etihad Stadium after a convincing 3-0 home win over Brentford on Saturday, as they continue chasing league leaders Arsenal, who are once again five points clear at the top.
That gap could be cut to just two points if they beat Palace on Wednesday, with Guardiola’s side aiming for perfection in the final stretch of the season to keep their title hopes alive.
Guardiola confirmed that Rodri has returned to training and will be assessed ahead of the match. He also had high praise for Marc Guéhi, who joined City from the Eagles last season.
“He has been an incredible and extraordinary signing for this club. He is focused on every detail of every game, his private life, and being a professional,” said the Catalan coach.
“We are really satisfied. He is behaving as we expected in key moments, how we react immediately. That defines great players at big clubs. I have said it many times.”
**A Tough Test Despite European Final**
When asked about Palace potentially facing Arsenal before their European final, Guardiola stressed his focus remains on the present. Crystal Palace are eagerly awaiting the Conference League final later this month.
“Crystal Palace is my focus, and thinking about what I have to do. I have learned from my coaching career to do the best with what you can control. We keep fighting.”
“They are very professional. Crystal Palace will play at a high level against us. Yesterday we saw Leeds against Spurs; even though they are out of the relegation battle, it shows how they compete in the Premier League.”
“Here we played against Aston Villa in the past, with nothing at stake, and it was very difficult. I’m sure they will give their best, knowing they have a final in three days,” he added.