Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration after Manchester City’s 2-0 FA Cup fourth round win over Salford City, calling the performance boring despite the team’s progress.
City moved forward without conceding any goals, but the victory’s style left their manager unhappy.
After the match, Guardiola emphasized that advancing to the next round was the only bright spot of the evening.
Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images
Pep Guardiola critiques Manchester City’s FA Cup performance
Pep Guardiola was straightforward in his review of Manchester City’s match against Salford City in the FA Cup fourth round.
“No. We didn’t read the spaces where they were. It depends on how they defend, and we didn’t see it,” Guardiola said, according to GOAL. “That’s why the game was boring. The only positive is we go through. That’s all.”
The manager focused on the team’s movement and decision-making near the goal. City held the ball but found it hard to penetrate, leading to a lackluster match that missed excitement and creativity.
For a team known for its tactical play, Guardiola’s remarks revealed an unusual gap between what they intended and what they executed.
Pep Guardiola dismisses excuses after Manchester City win
Guardiola also rejected the notion that tiredness could explain Manchester City’s lackluster performance. He acknowledged the challenging schedule but insisted that their standards must remain high.
“It would be nice for me to say we’re tired. The last few weeks have been tough for many reasons, but it’s our job. We must perform as expected,” Guardiola stated.
He added, “The calendar demands we play every few days. We just didn’t recognize the spaces well, which made the game flat and slow.”
Guardiola’s message was clear: despite a busy schedule, he expects better awareness of space and quicker ball movement. Simply advancing in the FA Cup isn’t enough for a team aiming for both domestic and European success.
While the victory keeps their campaign alive, Guardiola’s comments indicate that improvements are necessary. For City, performance is just as crucial as the scoreline.