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Pep Guardiola: FA Cup win is a moment to savour
17th May, 2026 07:22 AM
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has hailed City’s 2026 FA Cup victory as another memorable achievement for the club, describing the accomplishment as something the team should appreciate and enjoy.
The triumph came after Antoine Semenyo’s brilliant second-half backheel secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday, May 16, 2026, handing the Cityzens their eighth FA Cup title and Guardiola’s third in the competition during his spell at the Etihad.
The latest silverware also added to City’s growing success this season following their Carabao Cup win in March 2026. Reflecting on the occasion, Guardiola admitted the final was tightly contested and decided by fine margins, even though he believed his side had produced stronger displays in previous finals.
Moment to savour
Speaking after the match, Pep said: “We’re really pleased. This trophy is really cool and the tradition [with it],” Gurdiola said.
He added that cup finals are often determined by small details, noting that City had perhaps performed better in defeats to Crystal Palace and Manchester United in recent years despite ending up victorious this time around.
Guardiola reserved special praise for Semenyo, whose January 2026 arrival from Bournemouth has transformed City’s attack. The manager highlighted the forward’s versatility and eye for goal, especially after his decisive finish against Chelsea.
“Since he arrived, Antoine has had a sense of goal. He can play in three positions and in the last game he had an incredible finish,” Pep explained.
“It was massive. It was a little swap, normally he crosses to Erling but he has that sense and it was a really good goal.”
Despite the celebrations at Wembley, Guardiola insisted there would be little time for immediate partying as City continue battling on multiple fronts. He pointed out the demanding travel schedule his squad faced compared to Chelsea’s preparation period ahead of the final.
“No [there will be no celebration]. Not one beer,” he joked.
“Next Monday we are going to celebrate with a parade in Manchester. Chelsea had seven days to prepare the final. We spent six hours yesterday travelling on the train. It’s a problem in this country! I think we behaved good and we are stable. Finals can be changed with margins,” Pep said.
The victory also carried emotional significance for captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones, both of whom are expected to leave Manchester City at the end of the season after lengthy and successful careers at the club.
Guardiola stressed that their legacy should not be judged solely by trophies, praising their professionalism and influence within the team over the years.
“Absolutely [it’s nice for Bernardo and John] but if you have to judge their service here today on whether they win the trophy, it’s not about that,” Pep stressed.
“They have been incredible and I have so much gratitude for how they represent this club in the best way possible. Bernardo is a machine and today he showed it again.”
Squad selection
The City boss also admitted it had been difficult leaving out several key players for the final, including Phil Foden, who had impressed in midweek but was unable to start at Wembley.
“Always I had that feeling but still right now I cannot overcome the feeling that many incredible players could not play,” Guardiola said.
“Six didn’t travel and Phil [Foden] played incredible on Wednesday night but did not play. It’s tough but it is what it is. John and Bernardo are leaving but we have two games and hopefully we can fight for the Premier League.” He added.
