Pep Guardiola has praised his players after reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup. According to the manager, Manchester City's performance away against AFC Bournemouth on Sunday was so good that he could have accepted a defeat.
Pep Guardiola’s satisfaction was evident as he addressed the English press following an entertaining FA Cup quarter-final where Manchester City secured a 2-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth.
Despite the triumph, the encounter was not without its setbacks, particularly due to a concerning injury suffered by Erling Haaland. Manchester City faced the current tenth-placed team in the Premier League and managed to come from behind thanks to effective substitutions made by the coach. Bournemouth initially took the lead, but Guardiola’s tactical adjustments turned the game in City’s favor, demonstrating the depth and resilience of his squad.
“Bournemouth is a fantastic team, and if they had gone through, I would have congratulated them. We would have lost in a way I could have easily accepted,” said the passionate tactician. His comments reflected not only the respect he holds for the opposition but also his genuine appreciation for his team’s response. The victory has set up a semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest, a fixture Guardiola is eagerly anticipating.
For Guardiola, the performance also felt like redemption. Back in early November, City had suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Bournemouth, a loss he deemed unacceptable. “Many fans traveled five hours from Manchester to see us play. That performance was something we couldn’t accept,” Guardiola explained. His words hinted at the guilt he felt over disappointing the loyal supporters who endured a long journey only to witness a lackluster display from their team. This time, however, City showed a far stronger display in the cup match, demonstrating their resilience and quality.
The improvement in City’s performance was evident from the intensity they displayed throughout the match. From the very first whistle, they played with purpose and conviction, pressing Bournemouth high up the pitch and controlling possession with precision. Guardiola’s side created numerous opportunities, and although Bournemouth posed a threat on the counter-attack, City’s defensive organization was notably improved compared to their previous encounter.
What made the difference? Guardiola insisted it wasn’t about tactics. “Tactics are important, but what we were missing this season was playing with heart and soul. The hunger we had for years. Reigniting that was my main priority as a manager. It’s not about selling certain players or buying others. It’s about restoring the soul, finding the passion again; that’s what mattered most. Back in November against Bournemouth, we started making mistakes and lost our team’s passion,” he said.
Guardiola’s remarks highlighted a philosophical shift in his approach to the game. Rather than seeking solutions through tactical adjustments or transfers, he chose to focus on rekindling the spirit and determination that had previously defined Manchester City’s dominance under his leadership. It was a bold admission that even a squad brimming with talent can struggle if the collective desire is lacking.
Reflecting on the disappointing series of performances earlier in the season, Guardiola also acknowledged his own responsibility. “There were many causes, and I would put Pep at the top of that list. I should have made decisions I didn’t make. We tried to find a solution, but I didn’t find it quickly enough,” said the former midfielder, who has won the Premier League six times as a manager but now finds his team sitting in a disappointing fifth place.
His candidness about his own shortcomings was a refreshing departure from the deflective nature of many modern managers. Guardiola’s willingness to hold himself accountable demonstrated his commitment to continuous improvement, even after years of success. The fact that he placed himself at the top of the list of reasons for City’s struggles showed both humility and determination to set things right.
However, the victory came at a significant cost. The jubilation of the win was somewhat dampened by an injury to Manchester City’s star striker, Erling Haaland. Guardiola could say little about the severity of Haaland's injury shortly after the match, as the forward was forced to leave the field after just an hour of play.
Haaland’s injury was a moment of concern for City fans, who watched in dismay as their prolific scorer limped off the pitch. To make matters worse, post-match footage emerged of Haaland leaving the stadium on crutches, with a protective brace around his lower left leg. The images quickly circulated on social media, sparking widespread speculation about the extent of his injury and the potential impact on City’s season.
Guardiola, understandably cautious, refrained from making any definitive statements regarding Haaland’s condition. “I haven’t spoken to the medical team yet, so I can’t say much. We will have to wait for the scans and assessments before we know more,” he stated. His measured tone suggested that he was prepared for the possibility of being without his star striker for a critical period of the season.
The potential loss of Haaland comes at a particularly inopportune time for Manchester City, who are striving to climb the Premier League table and continue their journey in the FA Cup. Haaland has been instrumental in City’s attacking play this season, his clinical finishing and physical presence adding a new dimension to Guardiola’s tactical setup. Should his absence be prolonged, City may need to rely on alternative options in the attacking department, such as Julián Álvarez or Phil Foden, to fill the void.
Guardiola’s concern over Haaland’s injury was palpable, but he remained focused on the positives of the performance. “We played with passion, with energy, and that’s what I want to see. The result was important, but more important was the way we approached the game. If we can maintain this level of intensity, I believe we will be in a good position by the end of the season,” he stated.
City’s win over Bournemouth served as both a statement of intent and a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. With the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest looming, Guardiola will be hoping that Haaland’s injury is not as severe as initially feared. Nevertheless, his emphasis on restoring the team’s hunger and passion suggests that he believes City can overcome adversity, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
As the dust settles on this hard-fought victory, Guardiola’s focus will now turn to ensuring that City can maintain their newfound intensity in the coming weeks. Whether or not Haaland will be part of that journey remains to be seen, but the determination Guardiola spoke of appears to have taken root within his squad once again.
