City recovered from its European exit on Thursday (AEST), when it played extra-time against Madrid before losing on penalties, to edge past Mauricio Pochettino’s side thanks to a goal in the 84th minute from Bernardo Silva, but Guardiola's side was clearly fatigued at Wembley.

Chelsea had more than enough chances to settle the semi-final in its favour but, as was the case on its previous visit here against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, wasteful finishing was its downfall, with Nicolas Jackson the primary culprit.

Yet despite seeing his side reach a third FA Cup final in six seasons, Guardiola’s thoughts were dominated by what he considered to be poor scheduling of the match by the Football Association.

“I don’t understand how we survived today,” he said. “People cannot imagine what a punch in the face to be out of the [UEFA] Champions League in the way we are out.

“Why not give us one more day to arrive on Sunday [Mondat AEST] because Coventry [City] and [Manchester] United didn’t play in midweek? For broadcasters?

“OK. Don’t ask me after to do extra [media duties] because we won’t do it. It’s unacceptable to play today.

“What [the players] have done today is one of the greatest things I have seen from a group of players – 120 minutes against Real, you can prepare absolutely nothing.

“Four hours to arrive here and play the game in these conditions. I don’t understand how we survived.”

City will play either Manchester United or Coventry City in the final on 26 May (AEST) as it looks to retain the trophy it won last season.

Guardiola was pessimistic about the demands made on his players by an increasingly-congested schedule being lessened in the future and criticised what he considered an inflexible approach from competition organisers.

“In this country, they don’t change anything,” he said. “If I pretend it will change next season, it won’t happen. But don’t ask me to make meetings. I’m busy. I have to prepare games every three days.

“It’s unsustainable. We have to perform for the fans, for the prestige of the club. How? I just want to protect my players.

“I don’t have to run. I do this for the players. It is unacceptable.”

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino reflected on a game that, despite his side's chances, he felt it had not done enough to win.

“The most important thing is to be clinical and not concede,” he said. “Even if today we competed well, I cannot say we were the better side.”