# Guardiola criticizes Manchester City’s mediocre performance, despite the victory.

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/internacional-en/guardiola-criticizes-manchester-city-s-mediocre-performance-despite-the-victory/
- Published: 2026-02-14T17:46:26+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-06T06:57:19+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Internacional
- Tags: Alfie Dorrington, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Salford City

## Key points

- Manchester City beat Salford City 2-0 in the FA Cup, with an own goal by Alfie Dorrington and Marc Guehi's first goal for the club.
- Pep Guardiola criticized the performance, saying his team "did not read the spaces" and that everything was "flat, slow, and it wasn't good.
- Guardiola cited the pressure of matches every three to four days since November as a factor, while admitting he may not have conveyed clearly what the team should do.

## Article

The victory of Manchester City in the FA Cup against Salford City, with a score of 2-0, was not enough to erase the dissatisfaction of coach Pep Guardiola. The Spanish manager did not hesitate to criticize his team’s performance, despite securing advancement to the next stage of the tournament.

With an own goal from Alfie Dorrington in the first half, followed by Marc Guehi’s first goal in a City shirt, the team seemed to have the game under control. However, Guardiola expressed his disappointment, stating that his team “did not read the spaces” properly during the attack. “The only good news is that we managed to progress, that’s all,” Guardiola lamented, visibly frustrated. “Everything was flat, slow, and it wasn’t good.”

The ongoing pressure on the players, with matches every three to four days since November, was also a factor mentioned by the coach. He acknowledged that, despite the players’ desire to stand out, the lack of game reading and execution was evident. “Sometimes these things happen. Maybe I haven’t managed to convey what we should do to be more fluid,” he added, making it clear that the team still needs to adjust its dynamics.

Pep Guardiola, one of the most respected coaches in modern football, has once again demonstrated that excellence is his goal. For him, the result may be positive, but the performance must live up to expectations. With the next round of the [FA Cup](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/cantos-discriminatorios-condenados-como-mancha-no-futebol-apos-detencoes-em-hull-city/) on the horizon, the question that remains is whether [Manchester City](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/liverpool-e-newcastle-garantem-passagem-emocionante-aos-oitavos-da-taca/) can elevate their level to match their potential. Guardiola’s criticisms are a clear sign that the pursuit of perfection continues, even in victories.