Pep: FA Cup triumph is a really cool moment to savour

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Manchester City F.C.

·16. Mai 2026

Pep: FA Cup triumph is a really cool moment to savour

Pep Guardiola described City’s 2026 FA Cup final triumph as another special moment to cherish and savour for the Club.

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City win FA Cup for eighth time with victory over Chelsea

Antoine Semenyo’s stunning 71st minute backheel flick sealed a dramatic and hard-fought 1-0 win over Chelsea.

For Guardiola it was a third FA Cup success at City – and the 20th major honour of his glittering Etihad tenure.

The success also came hard on the heels of March’s Carabao Cup triumph.

And reflecting on another day to remember, he said it is a trophy to enjoy but that there would be no time to celebrate immediately – and hailed the impact of Semenyo who has proved a revelation since joining from Bournemouth in January.

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“We’re really pleased. This trophy is really cool and the tradition [with it],” Pep said.

“It’s special to win but I had the feeling that last season v Crystal Palace and two seasons ago against United we were better than today but these types of games, the margins are so minimal.

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“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.

“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.

“No [there will be no celebration]. Maybe one beer.

“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.”

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This latest Wembley success was an especially poignant moment for skipper Bernardo Silva and substitute John Stones who are both leaving the Club in the summer after nine and 10 years’ magnificent service respectively.

But for the boss, he said their impact on the Club went far beyond the capture of so many trophies in that period.

“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.

“Always I had that feeling but still right now I cannot overcome the feeling that many incredible players could not play.

“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.”