The Manchester City manager is preparing for a record fourth successive FA Cup final as he approaches the end of his tenth season in England — a tenure that has produced six Premier League titles, five League Cups and the 2023 Champions League.
He was generous in his assessment of English football's evolution.
"I think English football is so wide in terms of ideas. Maybe before it was more 4-4-2, more long ball to the channels, a lot of crosses. It remains that, but now it's completely bright in terms of many managers who influence the football and now it's different, scenarios are different."
"The aesthetic is still there. In terms of stadiums they are magnificent, all of them — the traditional ones like Fulham or Selhurst Park or the new ones like Spurs or Everton. The fan support is unbelievable, the players, the organisation."
"I think the English people have to be so proud for the competition they have here in England because it's top in all departments."
On Wednesday's 3-0 home win over Crystal Palace, Guardiola described a moment that cut through his usual tactical pragmatism — the Etihad crowd's tribute to the departing Stones.
"Last game the people started to sing Jonny Stones, Jonny Stones. I said okay, they paid a ticket — Jonny Stones must play. Normally no. Normally I try to be what the team requires in that moment or the players that feel more fit."
On young full-back Nico O'Reilly, who has made 51 appearances this season in a position that is not his natural one.
"He is so young. It's not his position but he has learnt a lot. The impact that he had in the season is not necessary to tell. He has many positions — more central, more close to the box — but his physicality, his pace. I think he's the perfect player for this league."
Ballon d'Or winner Rodri travelled to London with the squad on Friday but his availability remains uncertain after missing five successive games with a calf injury. Guardiola declined to give a definitive answer.
"We'll see. We'll travel and we'll see."
City beat Chelsea 3-0 in their most recent meeting. Wembley kicks off at 3pm BST.