City’s clash with Chelsea will differ to Watford victory ―Guardiola

Maurizio Sarri and Pep Guardiola during the Community Shield early this season.

Manchester City had to stave off a late fightback from the Hornets to secure a 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road.

He may have recorded a victory over Watford on Tuesday night, but the tasks don’t get any easier for Pep Guardiola.

City had to stave off a late fightback from the Hornets to secure a 2-1 victory, and now have just four days before travelling back down south to take on Chelsea on Saturday evening.

But while Watford and the Blues hold completely different playing styles, Guardiola insists that the end goal is exactly the same as they look to retain their Premier League title crown.

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Asked how the two matches will differ, Guardiola said: “In the fact that it’s three points – it’s the same in terms of results, so there’s that. But of course every team has different qualities, different ways that they play.

“Here [against Watford] was always long balls to Success and Deeney and we know that Sarri likes the build-ups, and creating three vs two in the middle, three against one and lots of short passes and lot of continuity.

“Stamford Bridge is always tough but now we’re going to recover.

“The day after tomorrow [Thursday] we’ll have the day off – everybody clears their minds – and then Friday we’ll prepare for the game at Stamford Bridge with the idea that we’ve done last season and this season.

“We’ll try to be principled with our basics and accept the challenge to try and win at Stamford Bridge.”