My Game Plan Not Good - Guardiola Takes Blame for Man Utd FA Cup Defeat

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has taken full responsibility for his team’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday. 

Guardiola acknowledged that his game plan in the first half was flawed. "I think my game plan in the first half was not good," he admitted.

City, who had aimed to achieve a historic double-double by adding the FA Cup to their Premier League title, found themselves trailing by two goals early in the match at Wembley.

Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored for United, putting City on the back foot.

Guardiola made changes in the second half, including bringing on winger Jeremy Doku, who scored City’s lone goal. Despite the improved performance, it proved to be merely a consolation as United held on for the victory.

Reflecting on the game, Guardiola said: "Credit to United for the second goal and the quality they have. For my decision, we were not in the right position to attack them. It was my mistake."

This defeat marks only the fifth time City has lost this season, highlighting their strong performance overall.

Guardiola emphasized the positive aspects of their campaign: “Disappointed today, that’s normal, teams lose finals, but this season has been extraordinary, fighting for all the trophies in a good way. We’ll rest and come back next season.”

City will now look to regroup and prepare for the next season, aiming to build on their successes and address the shortcomings that led to their FA Cup final defeat.