No celebration for Man City despite FA Cup win, says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola said his Manchester City players would not even get “one beer” despite beating Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday to lift the club’s eighth FA Cup.

Antoine Semenyo scored the only goal of the match, creating a moment of magic to unlock Chelsea’s defense in the 72nd minute.

City celebrated victory after falling at the final hurdle to Manchester United and Crystal Palace in the past two years.

“This trophy is really cool, very special for the tradition,” Guardiola said. “And after two defeats, returning to Manchester is nice.”

The City boss was asked if his players could celebrate their victory at Wembley.

«No, at home,» he said. «Not even a beer. Next Monday, after Aston Villa, we will celebrate with the women’s team.»

Guardiola’s men still have an outside chance of a domestic treble after beating Arsenal in the League Cup final in March.

They are two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal with two games remaining in a compelling title race.

The Gunners relegated Burnley on Monday, while City travel to high-flying Bournemouth the next day.

On May 24, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal face Crystal Palace, while City host Aston Villa.

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City have announced an open-top bus parade on May 25, the day after the Premier League season ends, to celebrate the achievements of the men’s, women’s and youth teams.

The women’s team won the Women’s Super League title earlier this month.

Guardiola praised Wembley match winner Semenyo, who joined from Bournemouth in the January transfer window.

“The impact for both him and Marc (Guehi, who joined from Crystal Palace) in the winter was huge,” he said.

«A bit of a trade, because normally he has to cross to Erling (Haaland), and in that case Erling crossed to him. But he has a sense of goal, good finishing, so yes, a very good goal.»

The City boss paid tribute to the departing John Stones and Bernardo Silva. Stones remained on the substitutes’ bench at Wembley, while Silva captained the side.

“There really are no words, I have often said, to express the incredible gratitude for the way they behave on and off the pitch and represent this club in the best possible way,” Guardiola said.

«Bernardo is a machine, never injured. Played in all roles and has always been incredibly competitive. Today he showed it again.»

Guardiola said it was a painful decision to leave players out.

“Hopefully we can extend the game in Bournemouth to get to Aston Villa for the last game and win the last game,” he added.

“And make the best possible tribute, with the chance to fight for the Premier League.”

Published on May 17, 2026