Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted there will be no major celebrations after his side lifted the FA Cup at Wembley, with attention already turning towards the Premier League title race.
City secured the trophy thanks to a memorable finish from Antoine Semenyo, whose instinctive backheel proved decisive in Saturday’s final.
The victory added another piece of silverware to Guardiola’s collection, but the City boss quickly made it clear that the campaign’s most important work may still lie ahead.
With two league matches remaining, City trail leaders Arsenal by two points and remain firmly in contention to win the title. As a result, Guardiola and his players are determined not to lose focus at a crucial point in the season.
Semenyo, speaking to BBC Sport after the match, admitted the occasion was one of the biggest moments of his career. The forward explained that the spectacular goal came naturally.
The Ghana international described how quickly the move unfolded inside the penalty area before he reacted with improvisation to guide the ball into the net.
“Everything happened so fast to be honest. It came straight to me and I had to improvise myself as quickly as I can. I have never competed for trophies like this before, so everything is new to me. Hopefully, we can finish the job off.”
The strike immediately became one of the standout moments of the final and capped another important performance for the forward, who has adapted quickly since joining the club.
Despite the excitement surrounding the victory, Semenyo revealed Guardiola’s message to the squad was centred entirely on maintaining standards.
“It is a good finish, I can’t lie. As a kid I have always wanted to be playing for the top teams – it took a long time to get there, but I am grateful.”
He also explained how Guardiola encouraged him to remain fearless and direct after arriving at City earlier in the season.
“The first thing he [Pep Guardiola] said to me when I came was ‘don’t change your game’. He knows we control the game a lot, he still wants me to be me, still create a bit of chaos.”
The forward then confirmed that any thoughts of celebrations had already been pushed aside as City prepare for a difficult trip away from home in midweek.
“I don’t think there will be much celebrations tonight it is getting ready for Tuesday.”
Rooney and Richards Disagree Over Celebrations
The issue of whether City should celebrate sparked discussion among former England internationals Micah Richards and Wayne Rooney during BBC Sport’s coverage from Wembley.
Richards believed players should be allowed to enjoy the moment after another major final victory, especially given the pressure involved in competing on multiple fronts throughout the season.
Rooney, however, argued that the title race demanded complete concentration until the final whistle of the league campaign.
“They’ve got two games to win the Premier League. Wait until then,” Rooney said.
Guardiola appeared to share that same view when discussing the club’s immediate plans after the match.
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While acknowledging there may be an opportunity to mark the achievement later, the Manchester City manager stressed that all focus would remain on the next fixture.
“We would love to celebrate it when we come back to Manchester but I think there is a celebration next Monday, a parade with the women’s team who won the league,” Guardiola said.
“We will celebrate the two trophies and we’ll see. If we can extend hope until the last game at home against Aston Villa.”
The Spaniard also delivered a firm response when asked directly if there would be any celebrations before Tuesday’s trip to Bournemouth.
“Not even one [celebration]. You know Bournemouth (away on Tuesday). That will be even tougher. Try to go there and get a results.”
