Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola promised to win the FA Cup next season as he and his players took to the streets to celebrate their fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup final loss to rivals Manchester United, combined with the customary Manchester weather, threatened to put a dampener on City’s trophy parade along Deansgate, although thousands of fans did turn out on Sunday evening as the players marked an unprecedented run of league success.
The supporters got to see the Premier League trophy as well as the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup, but the one that was missing was clearly on Guardiola’s mind after he and his players missed out on a record-breaking double-double 24 hours earlier at Wembley.
“We will be back next season,” Guardiola said. “The FA Cup, we will take it.”
This is the sixth time Guardiola has led City to the Premier League title, but with one year left on his contract speculation has quickly turned as to how much longer the Catalan might stick around, having already spent much longer in Manchester than many expected.
“Even myself, I couldn’t expect to stay here eight years but everything goes well,” he said. “Step by step we are here. It looks routine but it’s not routine.”
But when asked if he would “please stay forever”, the 53-year-old could only laugh.
City were forced to wait until late in the evening after the Greater Manchester Run took place on the same day, and under threatening skies the atmosphere could not compete with their trophy parade 12 months earlier when they were celebrating the treble.
Having reached such heights before, City’s player of the season Phil Foden echoed his manager’s sentiment that he and his team-mates wanted to win even more next term.
“It’s been a special season,” the England star said. “Obviously (four in a row) is something nobody else has done before. It’s an unbelievable feeling.
“There is a hunger inside me to win trophies and the other players want to win as well. We’re delighted with this season but next season we want to go again and win more.”
Erling Haaland made a foul-mouthed start to his own interview before saying he “can’t complain” after a season which brought a second straight Premier League Golden Boot, having scored 27 in the league and 38 in all competitions.
“It’s been lovely again and a fourth in a row, it’s amazing this club,” the Norwegian said. “I’m so proud of everybody and happy.
“There have been many good moments but when we knew we were going to win the league, I have to say (that was the best one).
“The support home and away has been unbelievable. I’m proud. What can I say?”
