Pep Guardiola makes big promise to Manchester City fans ahead of FA Cup Final | OneFootball

Manchester City fans have been issued with a clear promise by manager Pep Guardiola ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace.

The recently dethroned Premier League champions will be competing in their third consecutive FA Cup Final this weekend after successive meetings with Manchester United in 2023 and 2024.

Having defeat Erik ten Hag’s side en route to a historic Treble success in the first of the three finals in a row, no repeat would be seen last season as goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo put the game beyond reach for City despite a late Jeremy Doku effort.

Manchester City have the perfect chance to right those wrongs this time out following an exemplary run to the final that has featured victories over teams across all four professional divisions in English football.

Speaking as part of his match preview with the Football Association ahead of the contest, manager Pep Guardiola could not hide his delight at Manchester City’s achievement of reaching a third consecutive FA Cup Final this season.

“I say it every time we are in this position, but I will say it again: it is such a privilege to be able to play in this incredible stadium and have a chance to win this beautiful trophy,” the 54-year-old said.

“This is our third year in a row in the FA Cup Final, which is something we are very, very proud of. In the FA Cup, you play all the top teams from the Premier League and the Championship and always there are times when it is difficult,” he continued.

“To have made three Finals in a row shows how consistent we have been. It says everything about this generation of players and the club itself. The FA Cup is the most challenging and beautiful domestic cup competition in the world, there is no doubt about that.”

Manchester City fans have also received a direct promise from the Catalan coach that both he and the players would do “everything” possible to ensure that for the second time in three years, the FA Cup will be in Sky Blue hands come Saturday evening.

“We’re excited to play this game and we will do everything we can to try and bring the trophy back home with us to Manchester. To be playing against Crystal Palace is a huge challenge, everyone can see how good they are,” said Guardiola.

He added, “I thought they were exceptional in the semi-finals – to beat Aston Villa 3-0 was an incredible result. We respect them, we know the difficulties we will face, and we have to be ready. Always since I arrived in England, Palace have been difficult opponents.

“Under Oliver [Glasner], they have different qualities but they remain one of the toughest teams we can face. But for me, as a manager, these are the kinds of challenges I love.”

Manchester City have already fulfilled their two meetings with Crystal Palace in Premier League competition this season and were handed stern tests in both of those clashes at Selhurst Park and at the Etihad Stadium.

Away from home it was an enthralling 2-2 draw in South London while the reverse fixture in East Manchester brought about more of the same as City were forced to come from 0-2 behind to win 5-2 thanks in large part to a Kevin De Bruyne individual showing.