Pep Guardiola
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola commended the Red Devils' remarkable progress over the past five to six months, highlighting the substantial changes in their playing style and overall performance.
"What Manchester (United) are doing in the last five or six months, they're a completely different team to what we faced at the beginning of the season," Guardiola told a press conference on Friday.
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"Finals are all about how you will be in the 90 minutes, at that moment," he added. "It's not what you have done in the past or how good you are. It's one game, so we have to be our best to beat them."
Providing an update on his squad, Guardiola expressed satisfaction with the fitness levels of his players. Star midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish have completed their training sessions and are available for selection. Additionally, Guardiola confirmed that goalkeeper Stefan Ortega will retain his place in goal, having played throughout City's FA Cup campaign.
In a display of mutual respect, Guardiola praised the achievements of Manchester United's manager, recognizing his impressive work in guiding the team to victory in the League Cup earlier this year and securing a commendable third-place finish in the Premier League during his debut season.
While acknowledging their professional relationship may not extend to friendship, Guardiola commended the Dutch manager for representing their shared profession in an exemplary manner.
"I cannot say we are friends... but he represents our profession as a manager in the best way possible. I think Man United has had an exceptional manager for many years," the Spaniard said.
"The most important skill is the mentality," Guardiola said.
City are seeking a seventh FA Cup while United are in the hunt for their 13th.
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