Pep Guardiola has pinpointed the reasons behind Manchester City’s unexpected 2-1 loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup final, acknowledging that his strategic approach did not pan out as intended on Saturday.
Guardiola’s team missed the opportunity to make history by securing the Premier League and FA Cup double for the second consecutive year, following a subdued showing at Wembley.
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Falling short of the high bar they set during their remarkable run to a fourth consecutive Premier League crown, City’s performance was uncharacteristically flat.
Stunned by a pair of goals from United’s young talents, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, in the first half, City managed to respond with only a single goal after halftime, courtesy of Jeremy Doku’s effort towards the end.
Despite appearing sluggish for much of the match, Guardiola attributed the defeat to his own game strategy, rather than any complacency following their league triumph.
“My game plan was not good. We were not in the right positions to attack them. It was my decision,” he said.
“The players were focused. Tactically, it was not good. The players know it. “It was a tight game, we gave away the first goal and the second we didn’t close well enough.
“The second half was much better because we were more intense. We had the chances, unfortunately we scored a little bit late.”
Guardiola acknowledged the disappointment of concluding an otherwise remarkable season on a sour note, especially given City’s impressive record of clinching the Premier League title six times in the past seven years.
Despite the setback at Wembley, the Spanish manager and his squad are set to celebrate with a title parade in Manchester on Sunday. Guardiola is keen for his team to embrace the festivities and the success of their season.
“Congratulations to Manchester United. They are always a transition team. At the end they scored two goals and we couldn’t score more,” he said.
“It’s disappointing, that’s normal in a final but this season has been extraordinary, fighting for all the titles.
“Now we are sad but tomorrow we celebrate the incredible achievements we have done. Then we come back next season.
“We celebrated this week. When you get 91 points, it’s because you win a lot of games. We have to be incredibly proud.”
United’s recent FA Cup victory, their first in eight years, might mark Erik ten Hag’s final game at the helm of City’s local rivals. This comes amidst speculation that he may be dismissed even after this triumph.
Guardiola has expressed his respect for Ten Hag, who, despite winning two trophies within two years, has also been at the reins during United’s poorest Premier League performance since 1990.
“They had to take a decision, so I don’t know. He’s a lovely person, an extraordinary manager,” Guardiola said. “Of course winning the FA Cup is important to them.”
