Guardiola gives Man City players permission to recharge amid treble chase

Pep Guardiola has urged his Manchester City players to make the most of a break in their schedule before they resume their treble chase against Everton next Monday.

City avoided a shock FA Cup semi-final defeat against Southampton on Saturday, with late goals from Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez guiding them to a 2-1 victory.

They will now face Chelsea in the final on May 16, having already lifted the EFL Cup by defeating Arsenal at Wembley Stadium last month.

And City are also well in the hunt for a seventh Premier League title under Guardiola, as they are only three points behind Arsenal at the summit, with a game in hand.

They must contend with a busy schedule in the final few weeks of the season, though, as they have matches against both Crystal Palace and Bournemouth to be rescheduled as a result of their cup exploits.   

And, speaking after Saturday's Wembley win, Guardiola said his players must take the chance to recharge their batteries ahead of one final push.

"We have eight days until we go to Liverpool to play against Everton," Guardiola said, looking ahead to their trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium on May 4.

"They can do whatever they want. If they want to travel to wherever, they are completely free. As long as they arrive back on Wednesday afternoon for training.

"I've learned in this country, as many days off [as you can have], the team plays better.

"Managers believe as much as you train, you play better, but I'm completely the opposite. 

"You have to train, of course, but you also have to arrive fresh in the moment of the game. I've learned that. In the beginning, I trained a lot, but now it's home and quality time."

City are the first team in history to reach four consecutive FA Cup finals, having lifted the trophy in 2023 as part of their famous treble, before two straight runner-up finishes.

They are already the only club in English football history to win the top-flight title and both domestic cups in the same campaign, having done so in 2018-19.