Manchester City’s loss to Crystal Palace in the 2025 FA Cup Final may have been more than just the final blow to a trophyless season. It may have also revealed a deep fracture within the squad, one that surfaces just when unity is needed most.

The warning signs came not from the media, but from inside the locker room. Bernardo Silva, visibly frustrated after the final whistle at Wembley, delivered a brutally honest post-match interview. Though his words were steeped in self-criticism, they also hinted at internal discord:

“You learn a lot of new things in bad moments. First of all, who you can go to war with. Because it’s in the bad moments that you see who the real ones are.”

He didn’t name names—but the message was clear: not everyone is pulling in the same direction.

“Something Has to Change”

Bernardo didn’t stop there. He openly admitted the season was a disaster by City’s standards:

“It’s a really, really bad season for us. Something has to change next year.”

When asked what specifically needs to change, the Portuguese midfielder responded pointedly:

“I have my opinion, but I’m not going to share it. That’s for the big bosses to decide.”

Once open to leaving the club, Bernardo now seems willing to stay—but only if major adjustments are made.

Cracks in Guardiola’s Empire?

This public unrest is unusual for Manchester City, a club that has maintained discipline and discretion through years of dominance under Pep Guardiola. But with no Champions League, no Premier League, and now no FA Cup, frustration has boiled over.

The question looming now is not just whether City can bounce back—but whether they can do it together.

As Guardiola’s reign approaches a decade, speculation is growing: Is this the beginning of the end? If the locker room is no longer unified, drastic summer decisions may be on the horizon.