---
title: "Calum McFarlane brands Man City ‘exceptional’ ahead of FA Cup final – but makes controversial claim"
canonical: "https://readmancity.com/2026/05/14/calum-mcfarlane-brands-man-city-exceptional-ahead-of-fa-cup-final-but-makes-controversial-claim/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Samuel Johnson"
section: "Man City News"
published: "2026-05-14T19:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-05-14T19:00:00Z"
---

# Calum McFarlane brands Man City ‘exceptional’ ahead of FA Cup final – but makes controversial claim

- Chelsea manager praises Man City
- Makes claim about own team
- Clubs set to do battle at Wembley

**Manchester City have received some kind words from Cheslea’s manager, but he has also made a claim about own team which will not go down well.**

Beating Chelsea is not going to be easy. After all, Man City learnt that anything is possible in the FA Cup after almost suffering an upset at the hands of Southampton.

Still, it is hard not to look at Chelsea’s form. The Blues scraped a win against Leeds in the semi-finals, but they have been woeful in the Premier League.

This hands the Citizens a big advantage, especially considering their own recent results. However, the London club’s belief levels have been unaffected by recent events.

## Calum McFarlane says Chelsea can beat Man City

Chelsea’s interim manager has spoken highly of Man City ahead of Saturday’s final, while heaping praise on Pep Guardiola.

Despite this, Calum McFarlane believes that his team can defeat the Sky Blues if they bring their A game.

He said in his [pre-match press conference](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cx21kgwjlxxt): “They \[the players\] have got the belief they can beat anyone. We just know that we have to be the best version of ourselves.

“They’re \[Man City\] an exceptional side with an exceptional coach and exceptional players, so they’re going to be a challenge, but we also have some really good players, and these players have shown that if they’re at their best, they can beat anyone.”

## McFarlane’s claim lacks substance

Saying that a team can beat anyone on their day has become a football cliche which is used far too often.

The best club in the country on their day are Man City, which has been shown time and time again over the past few years.

Trophies speak louder than words, and Chelsea have failed to lift a piece of domestic silverware since 2019.

Perhaps if McFarlane’s claims were actually true, Chelsea would be higher than ninth position in the Premier League table.

## Man City need to continue playing at their level

Everything McFarlane has said about his own team would be far more appropriate for City. After all, they have only lost to Manchester United and Real Madrid this year.

Man City are looking unbeatable at the moment, and have recently thrashed Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, along with recording two important victories over Arsenal.

All Guardiola’s team need to do is continue playing to their usual standards, and they will have too much quality for Chelsea to handle.