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The Blues boss revealed pre-match that his team are prepared for the possibility of extra time and penalties in their FA Cup semi-final clash with Pep Guardiola’s side.
Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has disclosed that the Blues are ready to take penalties if it gets that far against Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final.
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10:04 - 20.04.2024
Cole Palmer Derby: Manchester City and Chelsea Clash in FA Cup Semifinal - Predicted XI, H2H, Preview
Cole Palmer will take all the attention when Manchester City and Chelsea clash in the semifinal of the Emirates FA Cup at Wembley.
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07:41 - 16.04.2024
‘We cannot behave like this’ – Pochettino rebukes Madueke and Jackson over penalty feud
The Chelsea head coach reprimanded the pair for their embarrassing altercation over who got to take a spot kick against Everton.
Man City vs Chelsea
The West London club face Pep Guardiola’s men, keen to record a victory over the Cityzens for the first time since the 2021 Champions League final under Thomas Tuchel. Chelsea can find encouragement in the pair of Premier League draws against last season’s treble winners — 4-4 and 1-1 — giving them motivation to beat the competition’s holders.
Pochettino declares Chelsea are ready for penalties
Man City suffered a disappointing penalty shootout exit to Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, and Pochettino revealed his Chelsea side are prepared to take penalties if they push the favourites that far.
‘We are ready if it goes to extra time or penalties, but then penalties are penalties,” said the Chelsea head coach. “Look what happened in different competitions over the last few days, you never know. We have practised, and we have a clear idea, but in the end, it is difficult to guess what is going to happen. But we are ready.”
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What comes next for Chelsea?
Chelsea are unbeaten in all competitions since their last trip to Wembley Stadium in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, a game decided by a late Virgil van Dijk header in extra time.
While the Blues have been far from convincing in that eight-game undefeated sequence, Pochettino hopes their recent 6-0 win over Everton — the London side’s first clean sheet since January 26 against Aston Villa — gives the eight-time FA Cup winners defensive assuredness before taking on the 2023 domestic cup champions.
Chelsea’s next match takes them to Premier League-contending Arsenal on April 23.
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