Manchester City closed the 2023/2024 season with a Premier League trophy. They failed to defend their FA Cup title, losing to Manchester United in the final. However, Josep Guardiola asked his squad to remain proud.
Saturday 25 May 2024, the 2023/2024 FA Cup final duel will bring together Manchester City vs Manchester United at Wembley Stadium. The match was fierce, this time Man United managed to avenge last season’s defeat with a 2-1 win.
Man City appeared dominant, but Man United’s defense played very neatly. The Red Devils actually stole two goals first through the actions of Alejandro Garnacho (30′) and Kobbie Mainoo (39′).
Man City then responded in the second half, but could only reduce the deficit through Jeremy Doku’s goal in the 87th minute. Man United then maintained its lead well for the remainder of the match.
The 2-1 score led Man United to become champions of the FA Cup, aka FA Cup 2023/2024, as well as stopping Man City’s efforts to set a record for consecutive champions.
Losing in the final was clearly disappointing, especially since Man City was the favorite in yesterday’s match. Even so, Guardiola asked his team to remain proud of their struggle this season.
Man City has to play in many competitions and has to face Arsenal’s interference in the Premier League. Their big achievement was becoming league champions with 91 points, narrowly ahead of the Gunners.
“Of course when you lose in a final you will feel disappointed, but we have had quite satisfying celebrations this week,” said Guardiola.
“Just look at our struggle in the Premier League. When you can finish with 91 points it means you get a lot of points throughout the season, our journey is very satisfying.”
Guardiola also discussed Man City’s defeat to Man United in yesterday’s final. He admitted that the match was difficult, there were tactical errors revealed by Pep which Man United could exploit.
“Our tactics were not good enough. We are disappointed with today’s result, it’s natural, the team could lose in the final. However, this season has been extraordinary for us, we fought to win every trophy available. Now we will rest and come back again next season ,” he stressed.
Guardiola also admitted that Man United fought back very well in yesterday’s match. Man United’s two goals were scored in the first half, because at that time Man City were not playing well enough.
“I think my tactics in the first half were not good enough. We played much better in the second half, more intense,” said Guardiola.
“Of course our game was different, because we were 2-0 down and in situations like that you play more freely and more bravely.”
The match was indeed interesting, exceeding expectations. Man City, which was predicted to win easily, actually had difficulty facing Man United’s intensity.
“The match was tight. We gave the first goal away and for the second goal, we didn’t defend well in their counter-attack transition,” continued Pep.
“Praise to Man United and their second goal and their quality. For myself, my decision was wrong not to be in their attacking position. That was my mistake,” he said.
