It’s another busy day around Manchester City after their FA Cup final triumph, with Pep Guardiola’s future, Antoine Semenyo’s message and John Stones’ emotional Wembley moment all dominating the conversation.
Follow the news of the day here on readmancity.com as we cover all the major Man City updates, reaction and talking points after Saturday’s win over Chelsea.
Pep Guardiola believes a dip in final performance
Speaking after the FA Cup final, Guardiola admitted that City had played better in previous Wembley finals they failed to win.
Despite seeming pessimistic on the surface, it was an honest assessment from the Catalan gaffer. This integrity is one of the things that has kept him at the top throughout his managerial career.
“It’s special to win, but I had the feeling that last season against Crystal Palace and two seasons ago against United, we were better than today, but these types of games, the margins are so minimal,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola future remains uncertain despite definitive response
Writing for the Daily Mail after the FA Cup final, Jack Gaughan claimed that Guardiola’s Man City future remains uncertain.
According to the report, people inside the City’s training ground still believe the Catalan manager is preparing to leave the club.
The decision was said to have been made weeks ago, and the report also claims that some around the club expect official communication in the coming days.
Interestingly, despite shutting down questions about his future, it seems as though Guardiola might not see out his contract at the Etihad.
Antoine Semenyo is focused on the next prize
Speaking after the FA Cup final, Semenyo admitted that scoring the winner at Wembley felt surreal. The winger flicked the ball with his back heel following a cut-back from Erling Haaland to score the winner.
The 26-year-old explained that this instinctive finish was a practised move during training, resulting in a perfect execution at Wembley.
Regardless, despite enjoying the biggest moment of his City career so far, Semenyo was quick to look ahead to the upcoming Bournemouth clash.
“I don’t think there will be much celebrations tonight, it’s about getting ready for Tuesday. Just train the same way, and hopefully results fall in our hands. So we just have to pray it happens,” Semenyo told the official Man City website.
He added, “I’m enjoying every day and enjoying all these trophies. Hopefully, we can finish off the job by the end of the season.”
Micah Richards heaps praise on John Stones
Speaking to Stones after the FA Cup final, Richards praised the defender for the way he has evolved at Man City.
The football pundit also highlighted the Englishman’s tactical importance and impact at the Etihad over the years.
“You’ve been absolutely unbelievable for Man City. To be able to play centre-back, going to right-back, you’ve changed the game. Especially Pep, the way he wants to play,” Richards exclaimed.
He added, “When he first came to City, when he was at Everton, I was thinking, would it work? Would it work? And then you’ve absolutely grown into that role, became one of the leaders of this team.”
The most touching part came when Richards told Stones, “When you leave this club, you will be appreciated.”
Guardiola evades Man City exit question
TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods asked Guardiola about his future at the Etihad. Unfortunately for the English reporter, the Catalan manager refused to give a definitive answer.
There have been rumours of an early departure, despite the gaffer’s contract lasting till the end of the 2026/27 season. Whether Guardiola respects that deal or leaves this summer is yet to be seen.
“There are so many rumours about you leaving. You’re not, are you?” Woods asked Guardiola. Likewise, the City boss smiled and replied, “What rumours?”
The FA Cup winner then looked around in disbelief before leaving the interview, wishing the reporters a happy evening.
