Pep Guardiola says giving some players vital game time and resting others was crucial as the Citizens head towards the final days of the season.
The boss made six changes to the side that beat Brentford, and his team selection paid off with an energetic and deserved 3-0 win over Crystal Palace
Asked if he had achieved his aim, Pep replied: “Of course, [we have the] FA Cup final, but we also have three days.
“Chelsea are at home preparing the final. We have to travel to London, and they will be at home.
“That is fatigue and fatigue and fatigue. I have full confidence in all the squad. Imagine all the players that didn’t play today, they are so good.
“I thought we need energy and Savinho had an incredible game.
“[Palace had] two strikers, always they score a goal. In general it was really good against a team always create problems.
“Three goals against Brentford and again here, I cannot complain. Now we rest and focus on the final.
“It’s a pleasure to go to the cathedral again to play the final. Hopefully it’s better than the last two times”
And asked if his team can take the title race to the final day, he replied: “We know against Brentford and today then nothing to do.
“But now we’re trying to bring hope to the last game.
“Next [opponents] are Bournemouth, wow, look at what they are doing and then Villa. We know Unai. We will try to do what we can.”
