Man City beat Watford 6-0 in the FA Cup final to become first men's team to win domestic treble
Sunday 19 May 2019 08:36, UK
Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City's domestic treble is harder to achieve than winning the Champions League.
City's thumping 6-0 FA Cup final win over Watford on Saturday at Wembley went alongside their Premier League and Carabao Cup success, meaning they are the first-ever men's team to win the English domestic treble.
Chasing an unprecedented quadruple until Tottenham dramatically knocked City out of the Champions League in April, two-time European Cup winner Guardiola was adamant City's achievement trumps winning the Champions League, with Spurs and Liverpool contesting the final in Madrid on June 1.
Asked after the Wembley win if it this was his best season as manager, after City claimed 98 points to win the Premier League ahead of Liverpool, Guardiola said: "It's one of the best seasons I have experienced as a manager.
"I wouldn't say the best, but one of the best for sure. To be 10 months, play in all competitions, and to be the first [to win the treble], it means we have been consistent every few days during 10 months.
"I love the Champions League, but to do that is more difficult than to win the Champions League.
City's 6-0 win was the biggest-ever winning margin in a Wembley FA Cup final, and the biggest in the FA Cup final since 1903.
City also became the first-ever team to win 50 games in a season, and Guardiola insists he is not worried about maintaining standards, because his side did so last summer having won 100 points last term.
"We did it this season, coming from 100 points. We know each other better. We won four titles in a single season, it is incredible," Guardiola added.
"Liverpool showed us how tough it will be in the future."
Raheem Sterling scored twice for City on Saturday to take his tally to 23 for the season, but Guardiola insists the forward can still improve.
"Raheem made an incredible season, firstly because he's never injured, physically he's so strong and he's an incredible competitor. One of the reasons we've done what we've done is Raheem," Guardiola said.
"But first half he didn't play good. One thing I'm trying to improve is that. He lost balls, made actions to play quicker when he should have passed the ball, always we can improve.
"Myself is the first [to improve]. I have a challenge with my staff to improve."
Meanwhile. Guardiola insists Manchester City are not guilty of any FFP breach, and reacted angrily to questions of his own wrongdoing.
This season's treble success could be overshadowed by allegations of financial irregularities with the club referred to the Club Financial Control Body adjudicatory chamber following a UEFA investigation.
City have denied any wrongdoing and say the accusations are entirely false. Guardiola followed his club's stance of denying any wrongdoing, saying he trusts the club's explanation.
Speaking immediately after the Watford win, Guardiola said: "From the beginning, this club has made a big step forward under Sheikh Mansour. There's no way you can do it without top players, money helps to buy incredible players. But I listen to my chairman, I listen to my CEO and they explain why they are under investigation.
"I trust them and when they tell me we were fair, we did it absolutely following the rules, I believe them. We are not guilty."
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne was delighted to end the campaign with FA Cup glory after a frustrating year with injuries.
Manchester City thrashed Watford to complete an historic domestic treble but what's next for Guardiola's side?
Is there any reason to think their dominance is going to come to an end soon? Sky Sports' Adam Bate gives his verdict from Wembley.
