Pep Guardiola has revealed what he told his Manchester City players following their FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.
Manchester City’s season ended in disappointment as they were unable to repeat last year’s accomplishment of defeating Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
Instead, Pep Guardiola’s team were knocked off their stride by a spirited and disciplined United who took a two-goal lead in the first half.
A miscommunication between Josko Gvardiol and Stefan Ortega led to the opener for Alejandro Garnacho before Kobbie Mainoo finished off an excellent move.
City pushed to get back into the game but only scored through Jeremy Doku late on and were unable to find the equaliser.
The Premier League champions didn’t win a double double but Guardiola looked to the bright side afterwards.
What was said in the Man City dressing room after the FA Cup final
When asked by the BBC what he told his players after the full-time whistle, Guardiola simply replied: “Congratulations to them on a fantastic season.”
The Blues boss was brief with his answers but did offer a few thoughts on the match itself. He added: “We lost the game.
“Congratulations to United. It was a tight game. “It [Ortega’s mistake] can happen. Many things.
“At the end, they scored two goals and we couldn’t score more.”
Still a fantastic season for Man City
It may have ended on a damp squib and just one trophy certainly doesn’t make you jump for joy as much as three did a year ago but Guardiola’s right, it’s still been a fantastic season.
The fact City were able to retain the Premier League title for a record fourth time in a row is incredible enough.
But to keep those levels so consistently high after reaching the pinnacle of the sport is even more so.
Yes, there were disappointments. That’s inevitable as winning successive treble is an unrealistic aim. Almost impossible.
So City can be disappointed after a poor display but still proud of an impressive accomplishment.