Pep Guardiola pens personal message to Manchester City fans ahead of FA Cup Final | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has penned a personal message to supporters ahead of the weekend’s FA Cup final meeting against Manchester United.

The Catalan coach is finalising his plans to become the first manager and club to retain a domestic double in English football, following on from their Premier League and FA Cup success that formed part of their historic Treble last season.

The showpiece FA Cup final saw a repeat of this season’s affair, with Manchester City coming out on top in the first ever Manchester derby clash at the last stage of the tournament, with Ilkay Gundogan scoring a memorable brace in the game.

This campaign, City have already claimed a trio of silverware with a UEFA Super Cup to open the season, followed by FIFA Club World Cup success in Saudi Arabia, and a Premier League title battle win over Arsenal culminating last weekend with a 3-1 win over West Ham.

Speaking prior to the weekend’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, Pep Guardiola has penned a personal message to Manchester City supporters ahead of what could be another history-defining afternoon for the Premier League champions.

“It is an absolute privilege to be here with a chance to win this beautiful trophy once again,” Guardiola said, as per the Football Association. “Last season we played United here in the first ever Manchester derby in a Cup Final.

“To be back less than 12 months later, facing United again, is amazing. I know you guys are really excited for this game and I know how much it means to you all. We have prepared really well this week.

“We have studied United and our training sessions have been really good. My players look focused and ready. I can’t wait for the game to start.”

Pep Guardiola continued by reflecting on Manchester City’s journey to the final as a whole, and the importance of the tournament to fans, players, and the wider organisation.

“Getting to the Final is never easy. Hundreds of teams start off in the competition and every single one wants the same outcome,” Guardiola explained. “We have had to win five really tough matches to be here today and we have given so much already.

“We’ve had to fight and, believe me, we want to make the final step here today and take the trophy back to the Etihad. Honestly, winning this trophy in 2019 and 2023 were two of the best days I have had as a manager in football.

“This is a historic competition and it’s an honour to be involved. We will do absolutely everything we can to win this trophy again today and make our fans proud, I can promise you that. Enjoy the game.”

Manchester City’s meeting with Manchester United will be their final contest of the season, before players jet off for international commitments and returning to the club for pre-season in the United States and a four-game schedule across the Atlantic.