Pep Guardiola called Erik ten Hag an “extraordinary manager” after his Man City side were beaten by Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Alejandro Garnacho capitalised on a mix-up at the back to give the Red Devils a shock lead after half an hour at Wembley, which was doubled by Kobbie Mainoo just nine minutes later.
Jeremy Doku scored late on after being sprung from the bench at halftime, but the Premier League champions could not find an equaliser as United lifted the trophy for a 13th time.
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Speaking at his post-match press conference, Guardiola admitted he got his tactics wrong. “Congratulations to Manchester United for winning the FA Cup. I think my game plan was not good,” he said.
“The second half was much, much better. We were more intense, in part because we were 2-0 down and had nothing to lose. It was a tight game. We gave away the first goal, they made a good transition for the second so credit to United for the second goal. We tried.
“We had clear chances in the second half which wasn’t easy because they had man marking and defended the pockets but we had the chances and unfortunately we scored a goal a little bit late. Maybe it could have been different but the team was there like all the time when we lose.
Read – Ten Hag comments on Man Utd future following FA Cup win
“Disappointed today, it’s normal teams can lose finals but this season has been extraordinary fighting for all the trophies in a good way. We will rest and come back next season.”
Erik ten Hag has now won two trophies in two seasons at Man United, but it may not be enough to save his job after reports this week claimed he will be sacked by the club.
“They have to take a decision,” Guardiola said. “He’s a lovely person and an extraordinary manager. Winning the FA Cup is important for them like last season it was for us.”
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