Man City boss Pep Guardiola launches into furious rant after dramatic FA Cup win over Chelsea

Man City boss Pep Guardiola launches into furious rant after dramatic FA Cup win over Chelsea

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Man CIty beat Chelsea to make FA Cup final

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 20/04/2024

- 19:42

Updated: 21/04/2024

- 08:48

The Spaniard is dreaming of more silverware after his side's latest win

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has reacted after his side's narrow 1-0 FA Cup win over Chelsea on Saturday with the Spaniard making it clear he's unhappy with the way the fixture was scheduled by the FA.

The defending champions went into the clash on a low after crashing out of the Champions League to Real Madrid in midweek.


But while City didn't play at the peak of their powers, they still went through to the final courtesy of a goal from Bernardo Silva.

Bernardo broke the deadlock in the 84th minute, scoring from close range after a shot from Kevin De Bruyne had been parried into his path.

Man City Pep Guardiola Chelsea

Man City boss Pep Guardiola has fumed despite his side's FA Cup win over Chelsea on Saturday

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City are now edging closer to a stunning double.

But Guardiola, speaking to the BBC, was far from happy and insisted it was 'unacceptable' for the FA to schedule the match just four days after their defeat to Madrid.

"It's unacceptable to let us play today," he raged.

"It's impossible, for the health of the players. It's not normal. It's unacceptable. 120 minutes, the emotions of Madrid, the way we lose, honestly.

"I know this country is special [with the FA Cup] but it's for the health of the players. I don't understand how we survived today."

When asked if he would raise his issues with the authorities, he continued: "Do you think demanding will change something?

"The only power I have I say here. Why don't we play tomorrow. Chelsea, Manchester United, Coventry didn't play midweek.

"I thought a lot. I remember two seasons ago we had Dortmund on Wednesday - and Liverpool on Saturday [in the FA Cup semi]. They were 3-0 up at half-time. They destroyed us.

"Mentally so tough to recover. Rodri, the way he played today, Kyle [Walker], who was injured for a few weeks, I don't understand how they survived.

"We want to play football. We love to play football but it's too much.

"We defend our trophy. We'll be here.

"They killed us on the transition. The game was so tight. [I thought] extra time, no please."

When asked what he told players before their win, Guardiola revealed: "Don't fight against your feelings.

"If you're sad you're sad. If you're disappointed you're disappointed. I'm sad. I'm so down.

"We played an exceptional game. I said if you're sad play with your sadness."

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Man CIty Pep Guardiola Chelsea

Man City boss Pep Guardiola insisted he was proud of his players following their dramatic FA Cup win over Chelsea

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Bernardo, meanwhile, also spoke out.

And the Portugal international admitted he was relieved with his winner, especially given the defeat to Madrid earlier in the week.

"Very happy after a very frustrating week for all of us, for me personally," he said.

"The good thing is in football at Man City, you play every three days. Every three days you have the chance to put things right and now we have a chance to win another trophy."

He added: "Throughout the years, we've done it may times and today, the team showed a lot of character.

Bernardo Silva

Man City star Bernardo Silva was relieved after scoring the winner against Chelsea in Saturday's FA Cup clash at Wembley

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"It's going to be tough [to win the cup].

"Between Coventry and Manchester United, it's going to be a very good game and we're looking forward to the final."

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