Pep Guardiola says his pre-match team talks focus on tactics and finding a route to victory rather than inspiring his players.

We’re excellent form ahead of Sunday’s trip to Fulham having won nine of our last ten Premier League matches, most recently the emphatic 4-1 defeat of title rivals Arsenal earlier this week.

A victory at Craven Cottage would take us top of the league for the first time since February while we’re also in the FA Cup final and last four of the Champions League.

With so much at stake, Guardiola believes his players understand the importance of each match without the requirement for added motivation.

Fulham v City | Kick-off time, TV info, form guide

Instead, he utilises his time with the players before games to focus on what they need to do to beat our opponents that day.

“I don’t give motivational speeches,” he said in Friday’s media briefing.

“Sometimes the voice is more calm or aggressive. I have to lift them, or against Arsenal, I didn’t have to motivate. They knew perfectly, even in the warm up.

“I always ask how they warm up and they said, relaxed, so calm.

“Sometimes the warm up is flat, sometimes they talk a lot. It’s the feeling, important to arrive at the right moment.

“The players know what they have to do, for example v Madrid, speeches? They know what they’re playing for, they don’t need words.

“They know how nice, important and privileged they are to be there.”

You can hear all of the manager’s thoughts by watching the video above...

Fulham v City: App coverage

We face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday 30 April, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 (UK).

Minute-by-minute text updates will begin in our Matchday Centre two hours before kick-off, whilst our Matchday Live show will begin at 13:00 (UK).

Nedum Onuoha, Joleon Lescott and Izzy Christiansen will be the special guests joining presenter Natalie Pike on the latest Matchday Live show, offering their expert insight prior to kick-off, at half-time and in greater detail after the final whistle.

They will also answer viewer questions throughout the broadcast, with audience participation actively encouraged on Matchday Live. To get in touch, send a WhatsApp to: +447537186538.

During the game you can listen to live audio commentary from Alistair Mann with co-commentator Andy Morrison while our text commentary continues.