Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City FC have already enjoyed a successful season, regardless of whether they win the Premier League title, though he admits lifting the FA Cup against Chelsea FC would further underline their achievements.
City take on Chelsea in Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, aiming to secure their second trophy of the campaign after beating Arsenal FC in the EFL Cup final.
The Citizens are the first side to reach four consecutive FA Cup finals, although they lost the previous two showpieces — against Manchester United FC in 2024 and Crystal Palace FC last year. Only Chelsea, between 2020 and 2022, have previously lost three straight FA Cup finals.
A victory would also make City just the sixth club to win both the EFL Cup and FA Cup in the same season, matching achievements previously recorded by Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and City themselves in 2018–19. Guardiola’s side could still complete a domestic treble if results in the Premier League title race swing in their favour, though Arsenal remain in control heading into matches against Burnley and Palace.
“The value of the season depends on the trophies you lift,” Guardiola said.
“Sometimes you lift trophies and the season is successful. Sometimes you lift them, and the season is still really, really bad.
“I said a few weeks ago, this season has been really good, really very good.”
City’s preparation for the final has been less than ideal after facing Crystal Palace on Wednesday, while Chelsea have had a full week to prepare.
“I would prefer seven days, like Chelsea, but when you reach the final of the Carabao Cup, and you win trophies, you have fewer days,” Guardiola explained.
“It is not ideal, but we have done it in the past, and we have to do it tomorrow, because the big clubs are defined where you are in more difficult circumstances and have to do extra.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea head into the final carrying a 13-match winless run against City in all competitions — their worst sequence against any opponent since a 17-game streak without victory over Arsenal between 1999 and 2004.
Former City academy graduate Cole Palmer is expected to play a key role if Chelsea are to end that poor record.
Interim Blues manager Calum McFarlane defended Palmer amid questions over his form this season.
“I haven’t said he’s not at his top level. You’re suggesting that — I’m not suggesting that,” McFarlane said.
“I think he’s had some really good games for us this year. He’s had a lot of injuries to deal with.
“I was really pleased with Cole last Saturday [in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool]. I thought he had moments where he showed his level and his quality.
“I’m really hopeful he can produce that from now until the end of the season. He’s a top player, and he’s proved that many times.”
