Josko Gvardiol Still Haunted by FA Cup Final Mistake, Eyes Revenge in Community Shield

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has revealed that he is still seething over his costly mistake in the FA Cup final, which gifted Manchester United the opening goal. The Croatian international is now determined to make amends and plots revenge against their arch-rivals in next month’s Community Shield.

Gvardiol’s error, which saw him head the ball over onrushing goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, allowing Alejandro Garnacho to score, still lingers in his mind. “I still feel angry about what I did,” he confessed. “I wanted to pass the ball back to Stefan. I didn’t see him, I thought he was on the line and I just wanted to head the ball back. Sometimes we need to talk more, to communicate more.”

The 22-year-old is keen to put the disappointment behind him and is focused on helping City secure a winning start to the new campaign. “I just want to win the Community Shield and show that we are ready for next season. If we win that game, it will be like a wind behind our backs, pushing us,” he emphasized.

Gvardiol’s error proved costly, as City ultimately lost the FA Cup final to United. However, the defender has been working hard to improve his game and is now a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side. He has been experimenting with playing as a left winger, a position that has brought him success, scoring five goals in seven games during the run-in.

“I woke up and I began to perform,” Gvardiol said. “I knew I was making silly mistakes. I had to play more simple and that’s what I changed at the end of the season. I was (just) passing the ball to the first player I saw. I had the period without confidence and that’s normal.”

Gvardiol’s transformation from centre half to left back has been a remarkable one, and he credits Guardiola for believing in him. “I believe that Pep chose me because of the way I am,” he said. “The position was something new for me, but I didn’t complain. I took it as a challenge. It feels more comfortable now, definitely.”

With City set to face United in the Community Shield, Gvardiol is determined to make a statement and help his side secure a winning start to the new campaign.