Pep Guardiola has stated that winning the FA Cup will not compensate for Manchester City’s disappointing 2024–2025 season, even after reaching the final with a 2–0 victory over Nottingham Forest on April 26, 2025.
The victory, achieved through Rico Lewis’ early goal and Josko Gvardiol’s second-half strike, coincided with Liverpool’s 5–1 victory over Tottenham, securing their 20th Premier League title and ending City’s four-year reign.
Pep Guardiola on whether winning the #EmiratesFACup and finishing in the #PL top-five would be a good #ManCity season: "NOOOO! I've said many times: NOOOO! The season has not been good! We are a thousand million points behind Liverpool, come on!
"It's not good, the season has… pic.twitter.com/VRLPQQCnzn
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) April 27, 2025City, currently fourth and 21 points behind Liverpool, are on track for Champions League qualification via a top-five finish. However, Guardiola dismissed suggestions that an FA Cup win and qualification would mark a successful season. “This season has not been good. We’re a thousand million points behind Liverpool,” he said, noting City’s inconsistent Premier League form and lacklustre Champions League performance.
🗣️ "I've said many times the season's not been good"
Pep Guardiola says that an FA Cup trophy win would not be enough to change his overall assessment of Manchester City's season 🔹 pic.twitter.com/7yOig5CTkv
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 25, 2025Manchester City will face Crystal Palace in their third consecutive FA Cup final on May 17. They are considered the favourites after a convincing 5-2 victory over Palace in the league. However, manager Pep Guardiola has cautioned against complacency, emphasising Palace’s impressive 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the semi-finals.
With four crucial matches still to play, he stressed the importance of focusing on securing Champions League qualification while also preparing for the final.
