Pep Guardiola believes his legendary Manchester City players rediscovered their ‘heart and soul’ to secure their place in a seventh successive FA Cup semi-final.
Erling Haaland netted his 30th goal of the season as Guardiola’s side came from behind to beat Bournemouth as Omar Marmoush scored the winner at the Vitality Stadium.
The FA Cup is City’s last realistic hope for silverware after a disappointing season and Guardiola blamed a lack of desire and passion from his all-time greats.
‘What we missed this season was heart, soul, the desire from how we’d done it for many, many years and for a manager the most important thing to recover this passion,’ said Guardiola.
‘The legendary players who have given the most incredible things for the club, they made the step up again with an excellent performance.
‘I am really pleased to be back at Wembley for a seventh time in a row – this is an incredible achievement.’
In the end, it was youngster Nico O’Reilly who changed the game, coming off the bench to set up both goals to send City into the last four where they will face Nottingham Forest.
‘He played really well – he has pace, he is so intelligent, has quality with the ball in the final third and has vision,’ added Guardiola.
‘Against Plymouth [in the last round], he scored two goals, today he made two assists. This is why he is going to play against Forest.’