Pep Guardiola takes a break from FA Cup final preparations to go to an Elton John concert
Saturday afternoon is good for fighting! Pep Guardiola takes a break from his FA Cup final preparations to attend an Elton John concert in Manchester… after revealing five years ago that he was desperate to see the pop legend perform live
Pep Guardiola took a break from his FA Cup final preparations with Manchester City on Wednesday night to attend an Elton John concert.
The legendary manager is in the middle of a historic treble with the city’s Sky Blue side after winning the Premier League three games before the end of the season.
City take on their crosstown rivals Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday, meeting on the iconic pitch for the first time since their semi-final in the same competition over a decade ago.
Should they beat Erik ten Hag’s side in the capital, City will complete their third challenge in Istanbul when they take on Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
But writing his team in the history books was the furthest thing on his mind when the former Barcelona manager joined the crowd at the AO Arena for the first night of the ‘Crocodile Rock’ hitmaker’s tour dates in Manchester.
Pep Guardiola looked elated to fulfill his long-held dream of attending an Elton John concert
The pop star is currently performing his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour across Europe
Guardiola attended the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour with his eldest daughter Maria, who shared videos of the artist performing hits such as “Sorry seems to be the hardest word” and “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.”
The league’s head coach was seen filming the performances, a beaming smile on his face.
The manager had previously given his players two days off after the end of their league campaign, citing the importance of recovery during such an intense period.
“Go with your family, when the sun is shining, play golf, do what you want and go to the top to prepare for the final,” Guardiola advised. “You have to train a little bit, but they know exactly what we need to get to the final in the best conditions.
Guardiola is a longtime fan of Watford’s honorary chairman, referring to the pop star in a 2018 interview with BBC Sounds about his six favorite songs.
His favorite from the artist’s repertoire is “Your Song,” and the manager said hearing it live was a long-held fantasy.
“One of my dreams is to have an Elton John concert, especially this song. I first heard it when I was 18 or 19 and started playing in Barcelona, I remember a lot of songs from that period in my life.
Sir Elton is honorary chairman of Watford, having previously been chairman of the club
The Catalan manager has an unbeaten record against the Hornets, winning all 11 of their ties
“I met him (Elton John) when we played Watford last season, the last game, and it was a huge pleasure,” added Guardiola.
‘Hopefully he can organize a concert please. I’ll be there.’
From a football perspective, Sir Elton may not be Guardiola’s biggest fan.
The Catalan manager’s City side have a ferocious record against the Hertfordshire club, winning all 11 of their encounters.