Manchester City’s Season of Struggles: Can the FA Cup Final Spark a Revival?
For Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, the upcoming FA Cup final at Wembley is more than just a chance to lift a trophy; it’s an opportunity to turn the page on a season they’d rather forget. It was at this very venue, a year ago, that City’s troubles began to surface with a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Guardiola initially attributed the loss to tactical errors, but as the season unfolded, it became clear that the issues ran deeper.
Fast forward to today, and City is set to face Crystal Palace in another FA Cup final (stream LIVE on Saturday, 11:20 a.m. ET, ESPN+). The hope is that a victory could serve as a catalyst for a return to form in the 2025-26 season, especially as they aim to reclaim the Premier League title from Liverpool.
Reflecting on the past year, Guardiola has reconsidered his initial assessment of the loss to United. While he acknowledges tactical missteps, he also suspects that complacency crept in after celebrating a record fourth successive Premier League title. The team’s lack of intensity in the first half of that match was telling, and by the time they rallied, it was too late.
Erling Haaland, one of City’s star players, echoed this sentiment in an interview with ESPN. “We haven’t been there fighting in the Premier League or the Champions League, and that’s not good enough for a club like City,” he said. “We have to finish strong in the Premier League and win the FA Cup. Then we have to start focusing on next season straight away.”
Guardiola has been candid about the challenges this season, citing injuries and a dip in motivation as key factors. The absence of key players like Rodri, who has been out for seven months, has been particularly damaging. Other players, including Ederson, John Stones, and Kevin De Bruyne, have also missed significant time.
Guardiola has admitted to overestimating the ability of his veteran players to maintain their performance levels. The departure of Julián Álvarez to Atletico Madrid left a gap that wasn’t filled, and Phil Foden has struggled to find his form after returning from the Euros.
- Key injuries: Rodri, Ederson, John Stones, Kevin De Bruyne
- Departures: Julián Álvarez to Atletico Madrid
- Struggles: Phil Foden’s form post-Euros
Despite these challenges, there are signs of a turnaround. Young players like Nico O’Reilly and James McAtee have stepped up, and a tactical shift has given City more control in games. The team is currently on a 10-game unbeaten run, and there’s a renewed sense of fight and determination.
However, Guardiola remains cautious. Crystal Palace, led by Oliver Glasner, has been in good form, drawing with Arsenal and Nottingham Forest and defeating Tottenham Hotspur. Eberechi Eze, a player City has scouted, has been in excellent form, scoring eight goals in his past 11 games.
As City prepares for the FA Cup final, the stakes are high. A win won’t erase the disappointments of the past year, but it could be the first step in a journey back to the top. For Guardiola and his players, it’s a chance to prove that they still have the hunger and desire to compete at the highest level.
Originally Written by: Rob Dawson
