Pep Guardiola has admitted he has "never" fully trusted refereeing decisions during his time in English football, describing VAR as little more than a "flip of a coin".
The Spaniard's comments come as Manchester City prepare for a pivotal Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
City know they must win at the Etihad Stadium to keep the pressure on Arsenal in the title race after Mikel Arteta's side edged West Ham 1-0 at the weekend.
That match was overshadowed by controversy after West Ham saw a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser ruled out following a lengthy VAR review, prompting fierce debate over officiating standards.
Guardiola, however, insisted his players cannot afford to dwell on refereeing decisions if they are to retain their crown.
"We lost the two finals of the FA Cup because the referees didn't do their jobs as they should do, even the VAR," Guardiola said.
"When this happens, it is because we have to do better, not blame the referees or VAR."
The City boss then delivered a striking verdict on his long-standing view of officiating in England.
Pep Guardiola has admitted he has "never" fully trusted refereeing decisions during his time in English football, describing VAR as little more than a "flip of a coin"
|PA
"I never trust anything since I arrived a long time ago," he said.
"Always I learned you have to do it better, be in a position to do it better because VAR is a flip of a coin."
VAR has been used in the Premier League since 2019, and Guardiola suggested clubs must simply accept the uncertainty it brings.
"VAR was not installed last weekend," he added.
Callum Wilson had a late goal disallowed by VAR in West Ham's match with Arsenal | GETTYLATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS"It has been here for many years. We adapt, and everybody knows it."
Guardiola's comments appeared to reference two painful FA Cup final defeats.
In 2025, City were frustrated when goalkeeper Dean Henderson avoided a red card during Palace's victory.
A year earlier, City felt Lisandro Martínez and Kobbie Mainoo escaped punishment after separate incidents involving Erling Haaland in the penalty area against Manchester United.
Adding another layer of intrigue, referee Stuart Attwell - who officiated last season's FA Cup final - will take charge of Wednesday's contest.
Guardiola is also preparing for the possibility that Palace manager Oliver Glasner may rotate his squad with the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano looming.
The City boss backed Glasner's right to make whatever decisions he deems necessary.
"Leave the managers to do what they have to do," Guardiola said.
Manchester City must beat Crystal Palace tonight as they look to reel in Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table
| REUTERS"The less the Premier League is involved in all the decisions, the better for all of us."
City still face Bournemouth and Aston Villa after the Palace match, but Guardiola made clear his sole focus is on the immediate challenge.
"The important one is Palace," he said.
"I always learned that when you lose the focus, you are in a dangerous situation."