Squad have travelled straight back to Manchester to begin preparations for Bournemouth tie
Pep Guardiola has revealed that Manchester City players are forbidden from celebrating their FA Cup triumph with “even one beer” as attention immediately shifts toward the club’s decisive Premier League clash against Bournemouth.
City secured their second trophy of the campaign after edging Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley on Saturday, but Guardiola made it clear there would be no post-match festivities as the title race reaches its dramatic conclusion.
Instead of remaining in London to celebrate, the squad have travelled straight back to Manchester to begin preparations for Tuesday’s crucial encounter at the Vitality Stadium. With just two league matches remaining, City are still chasing league leaders Arsenal, who are targeting a first league title since 2004.
Asked whether his players would enjoy a celebratory evening after lifting the trophy, Guardiola dismissed the idea immediately.
“No, not even one beer,” the City manager said. “There’s no time. Chelsea had seven days to prepare for the final, while we only had three, and yesterday was a nightmare.
“We spent almost six hours travelling from Manchester to London. The train situation in this country is a bit of a problem. Six hours.”
The Premier League champions currently trail Arsenal by two points heading into the final week of the season. Should Arsenal defeat already-relegated Burnley at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, City would need a victory over Bournemouth to keep their title hopes alive going into the final weekend.
Guardiola’s side will then conclude their campaign at home against Aston Villa, while Arsenal travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace.
Despite postponing any immediate celebrations, Guardiola confirmed supporters will still have an opportunity to celebrate the club’s domestic cup successes once the season concludes. Manchester City are planning a joint parade featuring both the men’s and women’s teams following the final league fixture.
“Next Monday after Aston Villa, we’ll celebrate together with the women’s team,” Guardiola explained. “The club has already spoken about organising a parade in Manchester because both teams deserve to celebrate with the supporters.”
