Pep Guardiola Praises FA Cup Traditions While Manchester City Struggle to Overcome Resolute Salford City at Etihad Stadium in Manchester

Pep Guardiola has long spoken about his love for the FA Cup, praising the history, the smaller grounds, and the sometimes chaotic but authentic experience of lower league football.

He jokingly imitated the gruff welcome fans often give visiting coaches, letting out a guttural “who are ya” as he reflected on trips to clubs like Swindon, Wigan, Cheltenham, and Newport.

The Spaniard insists that the tournament’s charm lies in its unpredictability and the rawness of venues and pitches, something foreign leagues have largely abandoned.

“I love the UK for that,” Guardiola said, highlighting the deep respect he has for the competition and its unique place in English football.

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City Struggle to Break Down Resilient Salford Side

Despite Guardiola’s fondness for the FA Cup’s quirks, Manchester City’s latest encounter offered little romance.

Salford City, from League Two, gave the Premier League giants a real scare at the Etihad Stadium.

Even after an Alfie Dorrington own goal in the opening minutes, Salford’s players created numerous chances, including a Brandon Cooper header from four yards out, and James Trafford pulling off a stunning save against former Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn.

It took a late tap-in from Marc Guehi to finally secure City’s 1-0 victory, with Guardiola’s substitutes coming on to tip the balance.

The match, Guardiola admitted, was flat and uninspiring. “The game was boring… everything was flat, slow, it was not good,” he said.

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Salford Earn Praise for Defensive Resilience

Salford manager Karl Robinson was quick to celebrate his team’s performance.

He pointed out that his side had been organized, compact, and capable of breaking quickly, keeping City at bay for most of the match.

“What a fantastic defensive performance against one of the best teams in Europe,” Robinson said.

“We can use this as a benchmark to move forward. I’m immensely proud.”

Salford’s display reminded everyone why lower league teams are often dangerous in the FA Cup, where a disciplined, determined approach can frustrate even the biggest sides.

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Guardiola Reflects on VAR and Match Nuances

The match also raised questions about officiating.

Guardiola mentioned that Omar Marmoush’s disallowed goal for offside might have stood under VAR and noted a potential foul on John Stones in the box.

The City boss admitted he was conflicted about VAR’s influence, acknowledging that sometimes games were fairer without it, but other times technology helps maintain integrity.

Such comments show Guardiola’s thoughtful approach to the sport, balancing his desire for fairness with the realities of modern football technology.

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Key Players and Performances

City lined up in a 4-2-2-2 formation with standout contributions from Marc Guehi, Rodri, and Nico O’Reilly off the bench.

Salford, in a 3-5-2, were buoyed by excellent performances from Ben Woodburn, Zach Awe, and Ryan Graydon, who combined resilience and energy to push their opponents all the way to the final whistle.

While City eventually prevailed, the match statistics show that Salford deserved significant credit for keeping the Premier League champions at bay for almost the entire game.

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A Personal Connection for Guardiola

Interestingly, Salford City holds a personal connection for Guardiola, as his apartment lies just across the River Irwell.

He will make the short commute to City’s training ground this week, expecting his squad to be fully focused for the final push of the season.

The local tie adds a layer of familiarity and warmth to the otherwise clinical world of elite football.

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What’s Next?

Manchester City now turn their attention to the next FA Cup fixture, with Salford preparing to host Newport County.

Guardiola will look to maintain momentum while addressing the lapses that left his side so vulnerable.

For Salford, the match provides confidence and a model for approaching high-level opposition in future cup ties.

Fans can expect a renewed focus from both sides in their upcoming fixtures, with City likely to rotate players strategically while Salford aim to replicate their defensive grit.

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Summary

• Event: Manchester City defeated Salford City 1-0 in the FA Cup at the Etihad Stadium.

• Key Moment: Marc Guehi’s late tap-in secured the win for City.

• Manager Comments: Guardiola praised the FA Cup’s tradition but admitted the game was flat; Robinson lauded his team’s defensive effort.

• Extra Context: City’s substitutes made the difference; VAR decisions could have altered the match.

• Personal Note: Guardiola has a local connection to Salford, adding intrigue to the fixture.

• What’s Next: Manchester City prepare for upcoming FA Cup rounds, while Salford look to build on their impressive performance.