Kovacic targets FA Cup win at 5TH time of asking & backs City to rule the world

Mateo Kovacic has lost FA Cup finals with Chelsea in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and was in the Manchester City team beaten by Manchester United at Wembley in 2024

Mateo Kovacic says winning the FA Cup can be the springboard for Manchester City to go on and rule the world.

Kovacic – who has lost his four previous FA Cup finals - said City have taken success for granted in their unprecedented era of success under Pep Guardiola. But this season City have fallen well short of the standards that saw them win six Premier League titles in seven years, including the Treble in 2023.

City failed to mount a title challenge this season, having won the Premier League a record four times in a row, and failed to make the last 16 of the Champions League. But Guardiola's side can save their season by beating Crystal Palace at Wembley on Saturday, which Kovacic said would be the perfect boost for next month's Club World Cup in the USA.

“This season, although it’s not been good, we can end it in a positive way which could give us a big push for the Club World Cup,” said midfielder Kovacic.

“Let’s see what the end of the season gives us. We always expect the season to be better, but I think many teams are having good seasons and won’t end up with a trophy.

“In the end we're in a final, which is never easy, and we're still in the top four, which is also not easy. At this club, you take it for granted because we have been on top for so many years consistently.

“We caught up with our form a little bit late. We had a great start to the season then we dipped a lot. Now we're catching up again.

“Unfortunately it didn’t last the whole season, like it has before, but we're still there in a fight for the top four and in an FA Cup Final which is never easy. In the end, this season can turn out to be good. We are improving a lot – the final will be tough, as is every final. There's a lot of pressure on both teams, but we're ready."

Kovacic has more reason than most in City's squad to lift the FA Cup, having lost all of his previous finals - three with Chelsea and last season with Guardiola's side.

The Serbia star lost three successive finals, from 2020 to 2022, then again last season when City were beaten 2-1 by local rivals Manchester United.

“This will be my fifth final and I will try as always to help the team to achieve the FA Cup trophy,” said Kovacic. “It would be amazing and to play the final at Wembley is always special.”

“For me, every trophy is important, because it’s a different story and journey. The FA Cup is the oldest cup and it’s special. It’s knock-out games and if you have a bad day, you’re out. But we’ve had a good run this season and I can’t wait for the final. ”