Pep Guardiola urges Man City to cement greatness by winning Champions League
Pep Guardiola urged his Manchester City team to cement their greatness by winning the Champions League following their latest FA Cup success. City completed the domestic double for a second time under Guardiola as they overpowered rivals Manchester United 2-1 at Wembley on Saturday. Ilkay Gundogan scored both goals, including a stunning volley after just 12 seconds – the fastest goal in FA Cup final history – as City proved far too strong for their neighbours. Yet, for all their success in recent years, which also includes five Premier League titles and four Carabao Cups, Champions League glory has eluded them. They will have the chance to put that right and secure a glorious treble when they face Inter Milan in next week’s final in Istanbul. City manager Guardiola said: “Everybody knows it. We have done incredible seasons – five Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, Carabao Cups, but we have to win the Champions League to be recognised like the team deserves to be recognised. “We have to admit it, without the Champions League – it has been amazing, it has been fun – but we are missing (something). We have to do it. “We are one game away. I would say it is incredible, remarkable, that in three years we have had two finals and one semi-final of the Champions League. “But in the end we have to win it. I know how it works. I said to the players, ‘You have to put the pressure on yourself. To be recognised as something good you have to win in Europe’.” Before they fully switch focus to Inter, City can reflect on another superb trophy-winning performance. We have to admit it, without the Champions League – it has been amazing, it has been fun – but we are missing (something). We have to do it Pep Guardiola Things did not all go their way. United pegged them back after Gundogan’s rapid opener with a Bruno Fernandes penalty after Jack Grealish was controversially adjudged to have handled following a VAR review. Yet they responded early in the second half as Kevin De Bruyne picked out Gundogan on the edge of the area from a free-kick and the German volleyed in his second. From then on, Guardiola’s side kept a tight grip on the contest and duly closed out the club’s seventh FA Cup triumph. Guardiola said: “It was the best way to start a final. There was still more than 90 minutes left but it was important. “In general we played a really good game. We played with a lot of risk because the threat they have up front is so big, especially with (Marcus) Rashford, but we controlled it really well. “A final against United is always, for many reasons, difficult but the better team won. We are humble enough to accept how good they are and we did it. We’re really pleased. “Winning the FA Cup, the emotions are so, so special and to celebrate with our people, it is really great.” Gundogan has enjoyed a fine end to the season and can now add an FA Cup final-winning double to the two goals he scored to clinch the Premier League title in the closing game of last season. The midfielder is out of contract in the summer and his latest superb display will increase the club’s desire to tie him to new terms. Guardiola said: “He knows what I think. He’s a neighbour of mine. We’ve lived on the same floor for many years and he’s a close friend of mine. “He’s an exceptional player and hopefully we can finish it (contract talks) in a good way. The season he has done is exceptional. He is very important for many reasons.” Read More Man City cement domestic dominance with FA Cup victory which provides no clues on how to stop them Ilkay Gundogan, Man City’s master of timing, sets up chance for perfect goodbye Supporter arrested at FA Cup final for wearing offensive Hillsborough T-shirt Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-06-04 02:19
Is the Dyson Supersonic still worth it?
In 2016, Dyson forever changed the at-home hair care game when it announced its very
2023-05-27 17:00
According To Paris Fashion Week, These Will Be The Biggest Trends Of 2024
Earlier this week marked the end of Fashion Month, a four-week-long parade of collections and the trends shoppers can expect come spring 2024. It starts with runways in New York and culminates on the streets of Paris. This season, Paris was particularly notable thanks to the final collections presented by designers Gabriela Hearst and Sarah Burton at Chloé and Alexander McQueen, respectively, as well as the addition of new-to-Paris brands like Peter Do, Christian Cowan, and Christopher Esber.
2023-10-06 05:23
The Twins put rookie standout Royce Lewis on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain
The Minnesota Twins placed third baseman Royce Lewis on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hamstring
2023-09-23 04:04
Who is the lead singer of Pavement? Band reacts to mention during Ken's 'mansplaining' scene in 'Barbie'
'We are aware of the Barbie Movie rumours and are awaiting guidance from legal but as a rule we are pro-Greta,' joked the band
2023-07-25 18:09
'Killers of the Flower Moon': The true story behind Martin Scorsese’s Leonardo DiCaprio-starrer film
Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ will depict the gruesome tale of the Osage murders in 1920s America
2023-05-21 17:39
BBC ordered to Delhi High Court over Modi documentary
The documentary focused on the prime minister's role in anti-Muslim violence in Gujarat in 2002.
2023-05-22 23:12
'Selling Sunset' Season 6: Are Jason Oppenheim and Marie Lou still together? Netflix stars aren't afraid of marriage
Netflix's 'Selling Sunset' Season 6 star Jason Oppenheim is not afraid of a lifetime commitment with his girlfriend Marie-Lou Nurk
2023-05-19 16:01
Did Shedeur Sanders Poke a Colorado State Player in the Eye During Colorado Double OT Win?
Not a great look.
2023-09-18 00:07
Reece James committed to Chelsea despite Real Madrid interest
Reece James has no interest in leaving Chelsea despite interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona & Bayern Munich
2023-09-18 17:30
Diablo Immortal Best Crusader Build Guide
We've compiled some of the best tips for creating the best Crusader build in Diablo Immortal.
1970-01-01 08:00
Did the refs screw the Ravens out of a touchdown vs. Bengals?
The Ravens thought they had a go-ahead touchdown in Week 11 against the Bengals, but it was called back.
2023-11-17 10:50
You Might Like...
Times Square billboard backing Pete Davidson's 'BDE' removed after 'bullying' calls from PETA
Author finds AI books falsely written under her name for sale on Amazon
Russian official says U.S. exerting 'pressure and threats' over jailed WSJ reporter
White Sox catcher Grandal leaves game against Yankees with sore left knee
New Jersey governor considers 5-year extension of internet gambling
Kerr pep talk inspired Australia into World Cup last 16
Reserve Bank of New Zealand: stress test shows life insurers can withstand shocks
F1 Fantasy: How to play in 2023 season and top tips for Austrian Grand Prix
