Pep Guardiola described winning the Emirates FA Cup as "honestly one of the proudest moments of my life" and is determined to lift the trophy for a second time this season.
Guardiola guided City to their sixth FA Cup title in 2019 when they matched the joint-biggest win in Cup Final history by dismantling Watford 6-0.
And Guardiola has the chance to reach yet another showpiece at Wembley Stadium connected by EE – the Catalan has also won four EFL Cups and two Community Shields at the famous ground – when City take on Liverpool in our first FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.
Guardiola said: “Any game in this amazing stadium is always special. To be here, fighting to be in the Final of the world’s oldest cup competition, is amazing for us and I cannot wait for the game to begin.
“When we won the Emirates FA Cup back in 2019, it was honestly one of the proudest moments of my life. This is an historic trophy – everyone across the world knows and respects the FA Cup – so it’s an honour to have this opportunity today. City have won this competition six times and we want to make it seven.
“When I was young, growing up in Catalonia, you could watch the FA Cup Final every year. It always looked so special and when I came to England, I got to experience how amazing it is. I can honestly say it has exceeded my expectations.”
City still have the chance to win a remarkable Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup treble this season, with Liverpool hoping to go one better having also claimed the Carabao Cup earlier this year.
Just one point separates the two teams in the Premier League title and both secured qualification to the Champions League semi-finals earlier this week.
And Guardiola said: “We know how tough the final weeks of the season will be. When you arrive at this stage of the season, fighting for trophies, you know every single game is important.
“This game is no different. Liverpool are a fantastic team and over the past five seasons have always been there, fighting for titles. Jurgen has a clear way of playing and his players follow him absolutely.
“We’ve trained hard since our last game and the players know only by being at our best can we make the Final.
“It’s a pleasure to play against the best teams and the best managers because it’s a huge challenge for everyone. We have to rise to the occasion and play with personality.”
Guardiola was speaking as part of his matchday programme notes and you can order your copy now.
