- John Stones on Pep Guardiola’s halftime reaction
- Defender got emotional during the trophy lift
- Stones set for final Manchester City farewell
Pep Guardiola has built an untouchable dynasty at Manchester City, as the victory over Chelsea secured trophy number 20 for the Sky Blues, but defender John Stones has lifted the curtain on the unprecedented behind-the-scenes team talk from the manager.
While the history books will show an eighth FA Cup triumph for Manchester City, the path to victory was anything but smooth.
The Sky Blues looked surprisingly sluggish in a cagey, goalless opening 45 minutes, struggling to find their rhythm against a disciplined Chelsea setup.
So much so that it left Guardiola frustrated on the touchline, and the tactical mastermind did not hold back once the players retreated to the tunnel.
John Stones spills the beans on Pep Guardiola’s team talk
According to Stones, the dressing room witnessed an absolute explosion of passion from the boss. The veteran center-back confessed that the manager’s furious intervention was exactly what the squad needed to wake up and shake off their first-half lethargy.
Speaking in the post-match interview with TNT Sports, Stones admitted that the Catalan coach reached a level of anger the players had rarely, if ever, experienced before.
Stones said, “He [Pep] was angry, to be fair! I’ve not seen him as angry as that, but it was his passion and he wanted us to show the desire to go out and win the game.”
The defender added, “He says a lot about how we play against ourselves and we were flat in that first half. It was more I think a willingness to run, press, put them on the back foot. Just to show that fight and hunger to go and win a final!”
An emotional Wembley farewell for Stones
The dressing room roasting clearly worked wonders. City emerged in the second half with renewed intensity, locking down Chelsea’s attackers and setting the stage for Antoine Semenyo to net the spectacular backheel winner.
For Stones, the afternoon carried immense personal weight that transcended the tactical battles on the pitch.
Having confirmed he will be leaving the club this summer, the match marked the defender’s final appearance at Wembley in a Sky Blue shirt.
The fans didn’t fail to deliver either. They serenaded with “Johnny, Johnny Stones” chants after the full-time whistle for one of their outstanding servants. 17 trophies, 294 games, 19 goals, and, most memorably, the 2023 Champions League final in Istanbul.
“After the game, the atmosphere and the love was shown for me personally, lifting the trophy which I didn’t really want to do. It was a nice moment, a nice touch and send off,” Stones admitted to BBC Sport.
Finishing the ultimate Manchester City story
With three FA Cup winners’ medals now officially to his name, Stones represents the golden era of modern Manchester City.
While fitness issues have heavily disrupted his last two seasons, his contribution to the club’s trophy-laden dynasty remains unquestionable.
However, the 31-year-old is strictly refusing to get carried away by the looming emotion of his final week at the Etihad.
With just two crucial Premier League games left on the horizon, the focus inside the camp will already shift away from the Wembley celebrations, come tomorrow.
