FA Cup Final v Watford - Pre Match Thread

[kaz7]

 

[She Wolf]

Just registered to say, all the best for the final. All of Wolverhampton is blue tomorrow, many of us going to local pubs to cheer you guys on. Win and we’re in Europe. Our semi final defeat still stings and we’re still gutted to not be playing tomorrow, but we’ll feel a lot better when we see you lift that trophy. I’m already looking forward to seeing Deeney’s ‘loser face’. Good luck!

 

[kaz7]

PEP Hopefully we can celebrate the FA Cup Final, the Premier League, the Carabao Cup and the Community Shield, on Saturday and especially Monday with our fans and the people.

Pep Guardiola: “We’ve just won the Premier League and over the last three days everyone has just spoke about that [FFP ban]. We are innocent until proven guilty.”

“For human being it’s difficult to understand, but that’s what it is. I spoke with the chairman and the CEO, I know exactly what happened and what we did and I trust them.”

 

[kaz7]

Pep Guardiola on the Liverpool-related chant on the plane: “We were happy for ourselves. If someone was offended for another issue I apologise, but it wasn’t our intention. We were happy for ourselves.”

Pep Guardiola on the title race: “If Liverpool win the Premier League it would have been an incredible achievement, when Man City win it it’s ‘ok’. We won the most incredible Premier League ever.”

 

[Cup Final R/Up]

Maybe it’s the years supporting City, maybe it’s memories of Wigan but I’m never happy when we’re down as overwhelming favourites.

Thing is Watford are a decent side, yes we won both matches against them but in both we were comfortable and then suddenly they clicked.

In the first game a Delph cock up in Vicarage Road brought them into it so we ended up hanging on. In the second they brought Deeney on at the Etihad, they scored and we were uncomfortable until the end. That’s not forgetting we only went in front by an offside goal.

Tomorrow will get a very tough game against a dogged, physical and well coached side. They came from 2-0 in the semi final so they won’t be wanting for self belief. This is their one chance this season so they’ll be very hungry.

We are better than they are so if we can fire for one more match we’ll win. What we don’t know is whether our team will play at its best now the pressure is off after winning the league. Will the players play with the same intensity but free from pressure or will they have relaxed after the celebrations on Sunday? Pep will no doubt insist on the former so fingers crossed he gets it.

2 other things come to mind- firstly Watford have never won anything of significance so with Elton John leading them out the same week as his movie premiere there’ll be lots of narrative around that.

Secondly no one knows what effect, if any, the NYT/FFP/UEFA nonsense will have on the players. Maybe none maybe it will be a factor. The Mancini sacking certainly seemed to get a factor 6 years ago, yes that was far closer to home for the players but hopefully it won’t influence tomorrow’s match the same way it’s influenced the build up.

We should win but how often has this wonderful club the unexpected, even in winning!

Ibiza Cup 2004 I'll have you know! Beat Sheff Wed. Pep not won that yet?

 

[northwichblue]

The day before every game for years,keep up!

Don't get arsey Kaz

 

[kaz7]

Pep Guardiola on #MCIWAT: ”I know how difficult it was to play them [Watford] at home. We handled them really well, the set-pieces, the offensive side. We’ve spoken about the players, hopefully we can compete like the FA Cup deserves.”

PEP (Watford have) quality in front with Pereyera, Denney and Deulofeu. With Doucouré and Capoue, especially Doucouré, the way that turn up late into the 18-yard box. They handle the defensive side well, with set pieces they have Holebas who is an incredible taker.

 

[Cup Final R/Up]

Just registered to say, all the best for the final. All of Wolverhampton is blue tomorrow, many of us going to local pubs to cheer you guys on. Win and we’re in Europe. Our semi final defeat still stings and we’re still gutted to not be playing tomorrow, but we’ll feel a lot better when we see you lift that trophy. I’m already looking forward to seeing Deeney’s ‘loser face’. Good luck!

This face you mean

 

[kaz7]

PEP How many times do I have to say? I’m not going to move to Turin, to Italy. I am satisfied working with this club, with the people here. That is how I feel today, but football changes a lot. Next season may not be as good, but I am going to be manager of Man City.

PEP @benmendy23 is not selected because he’s not fit. He will be ready next season. @fernandinho trained yesterday.

 

[kaz7]

Pep Guardiola on the treble: “If we win tomorrow the season is extraordinary, if we don’t I think it’s extraordinary. We could have lost the Premier League. We have to judge on what we’ve done in the season.” To win four titles in one season will be incredible.”