City went down 2-1 to neighbours Manchester United in the showpiece at Wembley.
But the manager stressed that 2023/24, which has seen City win a record-breaking Four-in-a-Row in the Premier League as well as the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, should still be a source of great pride.
“The team was there like all the time when we lose we are there,” said the boss.
“Disappointed today, that is normal from teams who lose finals.
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“But the season has been again extraordinary, fighting for all the trophies in every way.
“Rest and come back next season.”
In the final this afternoon, United went in 2-0 up at half-time through goals by Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
Jeremy Doku pulled one back in the closing stages and Guardiola saw a ‘more intense and more competitive’ performance after the break although he felt they scored too late to mount a colossal comeback.
“The second half was much, much better,” he added.
“We were more intense and competitive as we were 2-0 down. When this happens you don’t have anything to lose.
“It was a tight game, we gave away the first goal and after they make a good transition for the second one. Credit to United for the second goal with the quality they have.
“After we tried. We created the chances in the second half, it wasn’t easy because they defended with man marking and they filled the pockets really good.
“The transitions were there. We had the chances, unfortunately we scored a bit late. The chances we had before, maybe it would be different.”
Watch the manager’s press conference above.
