Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola sents out a message full of praises to Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez after FA Cup final defeat

Pep Guardiola, the boss of Man City, praised Lisandro Martinez after their loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

Pep Guardiola said that Lisandro Martinez, a defender for Manchester United, “made the difference” in the FA Cup final.

Manchester City lost to Manchester United 2-1 on Saturday, with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo giving United the win. But Martinez was the one who got praise from Guardiola after the game.

Guardiola said after the game, “Lisandro Martinez is one of the five best center backs in the world.” “He made the difference on this game by playing passes through our defence.”

Guardiola has said nice things about Martinez in the past. In 2022, when people were questioning his height, he defended him. Concerns about Martinez playing against Erling Haaland, who is very tall, were brushed off by Guardiola, according to the Mirror.

There was no doubt about it—Erling was taller. “I like it when people do not take into account how big a player is.” He can tell them I’m here and a good player. He’s a great player—aggressive and good at setting up plays.

“This money was paid for by United, and Erik ten Hag knows him.” He’s played against taller forwards before, so he knows how to deal with them. Being smart and brave are important. What will happen? The crosses, Erling is taller, let’s see.”

Martinez has had a lot of foot, knee, and calf injuries this season, which has kept him off the field for long amounts of time. Because he hasn’t played much in recent weeks, he got cramps and had to leave the game in the final.

It was a really, really hard season for me because I was hurt, and it’s all new to me, you know,” he said after United won.

“I’ve never hurt my foot, knee, or calf.” I thought, “Wow, is this a dream or what?” And I’m definitely mentally and physically strong today because I’ve only played Newcastle, Brighton, and now the final.”

“I couldn’t finish the game because my leg cramped, which made me sad.” They give everything, though, so I knew they were behind me.