Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted he made a mistake during his side’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
Ahead of the contest, Rio Ferdinand, like many others did not even give Erik ten Hag’s side much of a chance to win the game.
But goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo in the first half meant Jeremy Doku’s strike was merely a consolation for City.
Guardiola admits tactical mistake as Man City lose to Man United
Manchester United pulled off an incredible upset to win their second trophy during Erik ten Hag’s time in charge of the club.
Meanwhile, City were unable to win the Premier League and the FA Cup in successive seasons; a record they seemed poised to set.
After Manchester United won the FA Cup on Saturday, Pep Guardiola admitted the way he set Manchester City up was not the best.
The £378,846-a-week said via HaytersTV: “Well, first of all, congratulations to Man United for winning the FA Cup. I think my gameplan in the first-half was not good. The second half was much, much better, we were more intense and partly because we were 2-0 down.”
“When that happens, you don’t have anything to lose and then you make a step forward.”
Pep Guardiola is not to blame
In our view, Pep Guardiola is not to blame for the fact that Manchester City lost to Manchester United.
City gifted United their first goal of the game, with a mix-up at the back between Stefan Ortega and Josko Gvardiol, which allowed Alejandro Garnacho to tap the ball into an empty net.
As for Kobbie Mainoo’s strike, Kyle Walker visibly jogged back in his attempt to track back, giving him all the space in the world to pick his spot.
When a team makes such defensive errors, it is difficult for a manager to be blamed.
The same can be said for Manchester City’s struggles in attack as they were far too sloppy and risk-averse at Wembley Stadium.
Regardless, Pep Guardiola will likely be working after the season on his tactical blueprint to ensure Manchester City do not put in performances like they did against Manchester United.