Pep queries Blues ahead of cup final

Pep Guardiola has questioned the merits of Chelsea’ short-term approach to managerial appointments.

The Manchester City boss is surprised by the levels of speculation over Maurizio Sarri’s future at Stamford Bridge.

Guardiola believes he benefited from the faith shown in him during a testing first season at the Etihad Stadium and has suggested Chelsea should follow a similar approach.

He said: “The situation is a little bit different. In my first year, the club never doubted me. It was never in the media that I’d be sacked if they lose this game or the other game. It never happened.

“Sometimes the situation is difficult and it needs time. The first season with Maurizio is the same. You need time but the people supported me here.

“The players knew who was the manager and everybody is in the right situation. After that you can win or lose but it is stable. That is the best way to build something for a long time, not just a short period.”

Guardiola responded to finishing third in the Premier League in a disappointing first campaign at City by winning the title by a record margin and claiming the Carabao Cup last year.

They face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, just a fortnight after thrashing the Londoners 6-0 at the Etihad Stadium - one of the games which intensified speculation over Sarri’s position.

Guardiola insists that result matters little now and is even wary of a Chelsea backlash.

He said: “In that moment I was so happy to beat them 6-0 but in this moment I have would preferred not to have beaten them 6-0.

“I don’t like to play in a short period of time when you’ve beaten the team once before.

“They are incredible professional players, they are proud, they will do extra.

“When we lost 2-0 at Stamford Bridge we could not accept defeat at home.

“But it is what it is. We are going to prepare mentally as well as possible, play the final, play the type of game you need to play in a final and try to win.”