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Football London
Football London
Sport
Jamie Kemble

Pep Guardiola makes Chelsea Champions League final claim amid Man City's Premier League run-in

Pep Guardiola says he and his Manchester City players haven't even spoken about the Champions League final.

City would be forgiven for putting all their concentration on the final against Chelsea, which takes place a week on Saturday in Porto, having already wrapped up the Premier League title.

But with two league games still to polish off, Guardiola says all focus is on enjoying being champions and on the games his side have remaining ahead of the final.

"We’ll have six days to focus on the final after Everton," Guardiola said in a press conference. "Now it is Brighton. You work to prepare for the final as good as possible.

"We won’t be ready if we don’t prepare for Brighton. I didn’t speak one second about Chelsea. Tomorrow we’ll play to win again and this is the best way to arrive to the final. In the six days, we’ll be more focused on Chelsea.

"I told them to forget the football and enjoy your time with your family as a champion.

"We spoke in training that we have a routine, to be focused. They’re training really good. The game against Newcastle, the people were more relaxed but I saw them today so focused.

"We’ll play to win the next one and prepare for the final. I have no doubts the people are incredibly committed to win the three games we still have."

Speaking about the return of Kevin De Bruyne, he added: "Kevin is important like everyone. When we are able to stick together and push each other, it will be possible to win it. Everyone is in the same level. We’ll see what his level is, he’s fit and ready to play."

Chelsea also have a lot to focus on ahead of the final, still in the thick of the top four race with Liverpool breathing down their neck, now only one point behind the Blues.

Guardiola will have the luxury of being able to rest some key players for City's final game of the season ahead of the final next week, while Chelsea will have no such luxury, likely needing to win both of their games to secure Champions League football next season even without needing to win the final to qualify.

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