• Manchester City have had a disappointing season across all competitions 
  • Pep Guardiola and Co take on Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth in the FA Cup 
  • LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Are Liverpool fans right to lambast Trent Alexander-Arnold?

By JOE BERNSTEIN

Pep Guardiola is blaming himself for Manchester City’s poor season and won’t consider an FA Cup triumph enough to turn it into a good one.

City’s chronic injuries with Rodri and a number of defenders out for long periods has led to a remarkable decline in the fortunes of the Premier League champions.

But Guardiola, widely regarded as the world’s best managers, is also looking in the mirror at his own performance ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Bournemouth – which represents the club’s last chance of a trophy.

They currently sit fifth in the league table 22 points behind leaders Liverpool and were knocked out of the Champions League before the last 16.

‘My duty was to overcome the situation much better than I have done,’ he said.

‘There are a few details why that has happened. Hopefully it won’t happen next season, this is important.

Pep Guardiola claimed that not even an FA Cup trophy can make Man City’s season a success

He will take on Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday

He will take on Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday

It has been a disappointing title defence from City, who currently trail Liverpool by 22 points

It has been a disappointing title defence from City, who currently trail Liverpool by 22 points 

‘Our standards and many things were not good – that is the reality. How we view this season is not going to change even if we qualify for the Champions League and win the FA Cup.

‘They would be huge successes but the season has still not been good.’

Asked if he was more determined and energised than ever to restore City’s fortunes next season, Guardiola replied: ‘Yes. very much I am.’

‘The titles we won in the past don’t give us a red carpet to win titles again.’

City and Chelsea represent England in the Club World Cup in America this summer. City are also waiting the outcome of 115 financial charges against them.

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Pep Guardiola insists FA Cup glory will NOT turn Man City’s poor season into a success – as boss takes the blame for disappointing campaign

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