Former Dutch football player Marco Van Basten expressed his dissatisfaction with Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola’s decision to start goalkeeper Stefan Ortega in the FA Cup final against Manchester United on June 3rd.

Van Basten criticized Guardiola for what he considered an unprofessional move in the prestigious match held at Wembley Stadium. Despite City’s 2-1 victory, Van Basten believed that selecting a substitute goalkeeper for the final was not a sound practice.

Speaking to Ziggo Sport after observing the starting lineup, Van Basten voiced his concerns, stating that having a substitute goalkeeper play in the final was not professional.

He believed that Guardiola should have fielded his strongest team, including regular goalkeeper Ederson, instead of Ortega. Van Basten viewed Guardiola’s decision as potentially weakening the team and a sign of vulnerability if City were to face defeat.

Van Basten, a 58-year-old former player, expressed his disagreement with Guardiola’s choice and mentioned that he would not have made the same decision.

While acknowledging that other coaches might employ a similar strategy, Van Basten emphasized his belief in fielding the best possible team for crucial matches such as finals.

Guardiola had publicly announced before the match that Ortega would be starting in the FA Cup final, explaining that the goalkeeper who had played in the tournament would always feature in the final.

Ortega, a 30-year-old German goalkeeper, had made 14 appearances for Manchester City during the 2022/23 season, including six in the FA Cup. He joined the club from Arminia Bielefeld in the summer as a free transfer.

Marco Van Basten’s criticism of Pep Guardiola’s decision to start Stefan Ortega instead of Ederson in the FA Cup final highlights the differing opinions on team selection and the significance of utilizing the strongest lineup in important matches.

While Manchester City emerged victorious in the final, Van Basten’s argument raises questions about the potential implications of fielding a substitute goalkeeper in a high-stakes game. Guardiola’s choice to prioritize the goalkeeper who had participated throughout the tournament sparked debate, showcasing the diverse perspectives within the footballing community.