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Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City still had an 'exceptional season' despite Champions League final loss... and defends his controversial pre-match decision to play without either Fernandinho or Rodri in midfield

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said their season remained an exceptional one despite the campaign ending in disappointment with a 1-0 defeat by Chelsea in Saturday's Champions League final.

City clinched a fifth Premier League title in the last 10 years with ease this season, Guardiola's third domestic crown since arriving at the club, but the Champions League continues to remain elusive after Kai Havertz's winning goal for Chelsea.

It was City's first appearance in the final of Europe's elite club competition but they ultimately came up short, but Guardiola was still happy with his side's work this term.