“I’m so impressed” – Pep Guardiola reacts to Manchester City’s FA Youth Cup final win over Man United | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to Manchester City’s academy after the club’s U18 side beat Manchester United to lift the FA Youth Cup on Thursday evening.

City’s young starlets beat their city rivals in the final to claim one of English football’s most prestigious youth honours, adding another piece of silverware to the cabinet as the senior side also prepare for Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Speaking to Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News, Guardiola was warm in his praise for the academy’s work and pointed to the regularity with which young talent from the City Football Academy catches his eye in first-team training sessions.

I’m so impressed by the talent we produce, says Pep

Guardiola made clear the achievement carries genuine meaning beyond the trophy itself, framing it as a collective reward for the entire academy structure.

“Every season I’m so impressed by the talent we produce at the CFA – I see it when the young players train with us,” he said. “I hope everyone in the academy enjoys this achievement because it’s a reward for all the hard work and commitment.”

The reference to seeing academy players train with the first-team is telling. Phil Foden, the poster boy of the Manchester City academy, is in line for a fresh four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium that will secure his future at the club till 2030.

Nico O’Reilly – one of the standout performers of City’s first-team season – came through the club’s youth ranks before breaking into Guardiola’s squad last season – and his emergence has further underlined the strength of the pathway from the CFA to the Etihad Stadium.

What does the win mean for City’s academy?

The FA Youth Cup win over Manchester United will carry particular significance for an academy that has consistently produced top-level talent across Guardiola’s decade in north-west England.

Beating their fiercest rivals in the final adds an extra edge to the achievement and the timing – on the eve of the first-team’s own FA Cup final commitments – reflects a week in which Manchester City have given their supporters plenty to celebrate already.

Guardiola’s words serve as a reminder that the culture of winning at City is not confined to the first team. From the CFA to Wembley, the standards are the same – and on Thursday evening, the academy more than met them.