It’s been a season to forget for Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola wants to end it on a high — with at least one piece of silverware.
At the start of the campaign, the FA Cup was far from Manchester City’s top priority. But now, with a third consecutive final in sight, Guardiola has his sights set firmly on lifting the trophy this weekend.
City will face Crystal Palace this Saturday at Wembley in the final of England’s second most prestigious tournament.
Striker Erling Haaland summed up the mood by calling it a “horrible season.” City fell out of the Premier League title race early and were knocked out of the newly formatted Champions League in the knockout playoff round.
Currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, even qualification for next season’s Champions League remains uncertain. And according to Guardiola, lifting the FA Cup alone won’t be enough to redeem such a disappointing campaign.
“This is the problem, the FA Cup is not the first choice now. Of course, we want to win it. Since we are here, of course we want to win the title. It’s very important,” Guardiola stated.
“Last season (losing the FA Cup final to Manchester United) was frustrating. But I’m confident we’ll play well and fight against Crystal Palace.”
To Guardiola, just reaching the FA Cup final means a lot.
“For the third time in a row, we are here, and we need to play well. We’re going to London to win the title.”
