Guardiola blasts VAR debate, tells teams to ‘do better’

Pep Guardiola has warned teams they must “do better” if they want to avoid being affected by controversial VAR decisions.

The Manchester City manager said his side had previously suffered from contentious officiating calls, particularly during their FA Cup final defeats in 2024 and 2025.

VAR again dominated headlines after West Ham United were denied a stoppage-time equaliser against Arsenal following a lengthy review last Sunday.

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory left the Premier League leaders five points clear of second-placed City.

Guardiola still frustrated by FA Cup decisions

Guardiola insisted, however, that teams should focus on improving their own performances rather than blaming officials.

“We lost the two finals of the FA Cup because the referees didn’t do their jobs as they should have, even the VAR,” Guardiola said.

“When this happens, it is because we have to do better, not the referees or VAR.”

Guardiola added that he has learned never to fully trust decisions going in his team’s favour.

“I’ve never trusted anything since I arrived a long time ago. I always learned you have to do it better, do it better, and be in a position to do it better because you blame yourself for what you have to do, because VAR is a flip of a coin.”

City recall controversial Wembley moments

City were beaten 2-1 by rivals Manchester United in the 2024 FA Cup final, with Guardiola believing his side should have been awarded penalties following challenges on Erling Haaland by Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo.

Further controversy followed during City’s defeat to Crystal Palace in the 2025 FA Cup final.

Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson escaped a red card despite appearing to handle the ball outside his area before later saving a penalty.

Focus shifts to Premier League title race

Despite his frustrations, Guardiola said his focus remains on City’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

A victory would reduce Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to two points.

“You have to do better and better for yourself, and that is focusing on Crystal Palace for us,” Guardiola said.

“Of course, it is not in our hands in the Premier League. I always say to the players, ‘Do it, do it, do it better.

“I always learned that when you lose focus, you are in a dangerous situation.

“The only thing we can do is do it better; that is only in your control.”