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Pep Guardiola has joked about Man Utd fans fearing the prospect of Manchester City emulating their famous Treble after reaching the FA Cup final.
Manchester City reached just their second FA Cup final under Guardiola after three consecutive semi-final exits, beating Championship side Sheffield United 3-0 at Wembley.
Riyad Mahrez was the hat-trick hero, inspiring his side in the final on 3 June against either Brighton or Man Utd, who play on Sunday.
It was potential opponents Man Utd who were one of the main topics of the post match press conference, with the 1999 Treble is now firmly in Manchester City’s sights.
Guardiola’s side are five points behind Arsenal in the Premier League with two games to spare and a fixture against the Gunners on Wednesday at the Etihad, while Champions League holders Real Madrid await in the semi-finals.
Manchester City are favorites to win every competition, but Guardiola predictably played down that prospect following Sheffield United’s victory.
«They needn’t be afraid, we’re neighbors, neighbors are always nice to each other,» she said.
“We are far away, people can’t believe we are far away with this kind of situation. It’s okay for people to discuss this for a fun time, but the reality is different. The reality is to come here and perform.
“For many years we fought for the titles and we are still there. You can win in one year, two years, but six years, every year, being there to win the title, the mentality of the club, not just the players, helps us to be here.
«It’s an honor to be in the FA Cup Final on 3 June.»
Guardiola also paid tribute to Marezwith whom he has not always had a positive player-coach relationship.
«He’s always grumpy with me when he’s not playing all the time, he points out how grumpy he feels,» said the Spaniard.
«Not today. He’s an outstanding player, a great stage player and has the mentality to score goals. Composure for the penalty was important to come on after the first half 1-0 up and the second and third goals are brilliant states.
“I am so pleased with Riyadh, he has given many, many things over these years and much more in the future hopefully.
“We’ve known each other for many years, I know I’ve lost the battle to make him understand how important the group is. It’s important when he plays at that level and when he does everything goes well.»
