Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi emphasised the importance of living in the moment as the London club gear up for this weekend’s Emirates FA Cup Final.
The Eagles will be hoping third time’s a charm when they lock horns with Manchester City, having finished as runners-up in their previous two appearances in FA Cup Finals in 1990 and again in 2016, losing out to the Sky Blues’ cross-city rivals, Manchester United.
“To be honest, it wasn’t even about getting to the Final, just the day out at Wembley for our fans, and the opportunity to play in the semi-final of such a prestigious cup,” said Guéhi. “The sun was out, it was an enjoyable day.
“I think you have to enjoy every moment that you get to play football, because it’s a sport that’s very fleeting and you don’t get many opportunities to be in these moments. So, I enjoyed it, and I think the team enjoyed every moment.
“I think the most important thing in life is just to be present. You can’t think too far ahead, you can’t think about the past. It’s about approaching each and every day and enjoying the day that you have in front of you. That’s what we’re going to do. Worry about that day on that day, but until then, just keep doing what we’re doing.”
Fortunately, Oliver Glasner’s side know what it takes to win at Wembley, having beaten Aston Villa 3-0 in the semi-final under the arch last month to book their place in the Final.
“Before, it was just like any other game, really,” recalled Guéhi. “Approaching it the exact same way that we have throughout the season.
“We played a good opposition in Aston Villa. The game plan worked and everyone performed at a really high level, and it was a really good team performance. To win, it was a really special moment for us and our fans.”
However, it was only a job half done in the Palace skipper’s eyes, who put the celebrations on ice for Saturday when the club will look to get their hands on the famous trophy.
What a defender 😮💨
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 12, 2025
Marc Guéhi through the years ⏩#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/AprOCsjMvp
“Personally, I just went home with the family and had a nice meal,” said Guéhi. “Others did other things, but it was a nice moment, a nice day. No one really got too carried away, because it’s only one game, so I think that was the most important thing.”
And once again, Palace will be backed by a vocal following – something which Guéhi insisted spurred the England international and his team-mates on in the semi-final.
“It was amazing,” added Guéhi. “I’m used to it. I play in front of it every single week – the only surprise was how surprised everyone else was! It’s brilliant support, that’s something that we don’t take for granted. We’ve definitely got the best support in the league.”
Glasner’s side come up against Premier League rivals and seven-time competition winners City in the Final but that doesn’t faze Guehi.
“To be honest, I don’t think there’s any pressure on us,” explained Guéhi. “We’ve got nothing to lose.
“I think all the onus is always on the opposition, because I don’t think anyone expects us to be in this position anyway. We just go out there and keep playing the way we have done all season.
“The only people that need to believe in us is ourselves. As long as we believe in us, as long as the fans believe in us, that’s all that matters.”
You can read the full interview with Guéhi in the official matchday programme for the 2025 Emirates FA Cup Final, which can be purchased at Wembley or online by clicking here.
