I think we showed, we can beat Manchester City- Javi Gracia

This is only the second time the Hornets are playing in the FA Cup Final.
Watford manager Javi Gracia is confident about the chances of his team causing an upset in the FA Cup final against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City FC.
Manchester City advanced to the final after beating Brighton Hove and Albion 1-0 in a game that saw Gabriel Jesus score the only goal through a header. Whereas, Watford FC overcame a spirited Wolverhampton Wolves, beating them 3-2 in a laborious semi-final.
The game holds high importance for not just the teams involved in the showdown event, but also for the other teams who are to play in Europe next season.
Watford FC can do themselves a favour, providing themselves with an opportunity of playing in Europe next season by winning the game. The win would also mean that there would be seven English teams plying their trade in Europe.
The latter of the two could well not happen even if Watford FC wins, provided the rumoured ban of Manchester City from Europe prevails. Manchester City will be investigated by the UEFA for their financial spendings.
ALSO READ
The game holds special importance for City who are chasing an unprecedented domestic treble with FA Cup being the only trophy left to be won.
But Javi Gracia firmly believes that despite losing twice to City in the league, they have what it takes to beat the Cityzens in the final.
He says, "As you say, we lost both [league] games, but I think we showed we can beat them [Manchester City] because we competed really well in both games, in different moments with different circumstances."
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]Garcia went on to explain what events from the two games give him the confidence he has. He ruined the offside goal that City scored against them in the second league encounter between the two sides.
"But in the first game we lost 2-1 and we competed until the end with chances at the end of the game, and in the second one we kept the result 0-0 until the second half and in that moment we concede the first goal, that was the moment the game changed, in an offside position and then it was tough for us to keep the same attitude but I think it showed us it's possible," Javi Gracia explained.
Where passion meets insight — blending breaking news, in-depth strategic analysis, viral moments, and jaw-dropping plays into powerful sports content designed to entertain, inform, and keep you connected to your favorite teams and athletes. Expect daily updates, expert commentary and coverage that never leaves a fan behind.
Related News
- Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | FA Cup 2024-25 semifinals
- Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Madrid for Copa del Rey 2024-25 final
- Kerala Blasters FC vs Mohun Bagan: Key player battles to watch out for in Kalinga Super Cup 2025
- Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte reportedly dating Kylian Mbappe's ex-girlfriend
- Jose Mourinho nearly convinced Lionel Messi to join Chelsea in 2014
- Lionel Messi names five footballers that his kids love watching; snubs Cristiano Ronaldo from list
- Top three forwards Manchester United should target in 2025 summer transfer window
- Top three players with most penalties scored in Champions League history
- Top five Premier League players who recorded 10+ goal contributions aged 37 or over
- Top seven players with most assists in a single Premier League season