Pep Guardiola Manchester City FA Cup final 2024Getty

'My game plan was not good' - Pep Guardiola gets self-critical as he explains Man City's disappointing display in FA Cup loss to Man Utd

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Article continues below

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  • Guardiola admits he got tactics wrong
  • City beaten at Wembley
  • Dreams of double up in smoke
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    City were beaten by their bitter rivals at Wembley, as their dreams of a Premier League and FA Cup double crumbled. A mistake from Stefan Ortega gifted United the opener, as he rushed out of his goal and Josko Gvardiol headed the ball over the goalkeeper's head, allowing Alejandro Garnacho to score. Kobbie Mainoo then added a second prior to half-time before Jeremy Doku pulled a goal back. City, however, couldn't muster a late comeback.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Guardiola made a number of bold tactical decisions throughout the game, substituting both Nathan Ake and Mateo Kovacic at half-time, then hooking Kevin De Bruyne before the hour. And he has now admitted that he got his tactics wrong.

  • WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

    He told reporters: "Congratulations to Manchester United for winning the FA Cup. I think my game plan was not good.

    "The second half was much, much better. We were more intense, in part because we were 2-0 down and had nothing to lose. It was a tight game. We gave away the first goal, they made a good transition for the second so credit to United for the second goal. We tried. We had clear chances in the second half which wasn't easy because they had man marking and defended the pockets but we had the chances and unfortunately we scored a goal a little bit late. Maybe it could have been different but the team was there like all the time when we lose.

    "Disappointed today, it's normal teams can lose finals but this season has been extraordinary fighting for all the trophies in a good way. We will rest and come back next season."

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  • Pep Guardiola Phil Foden Manchester City FA Cup final 2024Getty

    WHAT NEXT?

    City will begin preparations for next season as they aim to win a historic fifth successive league title. It remains to be seen how they will invest in the summer.

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