Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that the FA Cup was not Manchester City’s main focus this season, but now that they have reached a third consecutive final, the club will do everything to secure the trophy.
City have endured what striker Erling Haaland described as a “horrific season”, with their Premier League title challenge fading and an early exit from the Champions League adding to their frustrations. Currently sixth in the league with a game in hand, City have yet to confirm qualification for next season’s Champions League. While winning the FA Cup against Palace on Saturday may not salvage their season, Guardiola insists the trophy remains hugely significant.
“That is the problem, isn’t it? The FA Cup is not the first choice at the moment,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday. “But of course, we want it. Now that we’re here, we want the trophy. It’s massively important.”
Reflecting on last year’s final defeat to Manchester United, he added:
“It was a disappointment, but I’m confident we will perform well and compete strongly.”
Guardiola also praised Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace, who have beaten Fulham and Aston Villa en route to the final.
Palace, currently 12th in the Premier League, are chasing their first major trophy after losing finals in 1990 and 2016, both to Manchester United.
“They’re a fantastic team,” Guardiola said. “They’ve had a strong second half of the season and have now had over a year with Oliver working with the same squad.”
“They pose a real threat. Mateta is physically strong, Eze’s quality stands out, Sarr’s pace is dangerous, and Wharton is a solid holding midfielder.”