The FA Cup can be a consolation prize for City this season, but even that will require some serious Guardiola science against a tenacious and disciplined Forest
Manchester City are bracing themselves for a challenging FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest. Manager Pep Guardiola warned at his pre-match press conference on Saturday that his team will face a “serious and tough” opponent at Wembley.
City defeated Forest 3-0 in their Premier League clash back in December, but then they tasted defeat in the reverse fixture at the City Ground in March, a result that has clearly left an impression on Guardiola and his squad as they prepare for the high-stakes encounter.
“We have a serious and tough, tough rival,” Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference. “The Nottingham Forest people and fans, it is a long time since they have played the semi-final of the FA Cup, but for many years we have been there in the competition.”
The FA Cup is City’s last chance to salvage something from this season, after an early exit from the Champions League and embroiled as they are in a fierce fight for a top-five finish in the league.
Man City have made winning silverware a habit in recent years, lifting at least one trophy in all but three of the last 14 seasons. Yet despite their pedigree, Guardiola is keenly aware that Nuno’s side won’t make it easy for them once the whistle blows. No Premier League side has. Not this season.
Guardiola was quick to praise Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo at the press conference. The Portuguese has revitalised the East Midlands club, taking them by hand and leading them right into the big boys’ rec area.
The Citys and Chelseas and Manchester Uniteds of the Premier League world can complain all they will, but they are not leaving. Not this season.
A home win against Brentford and Nottingham Forest could be back in third place in the Premier League, two points above City with four games to go, and four behind Arsenal. Just last season they were languishing in 17th place, the season before then in 16th.
Since taking charge, Nuno has settled for a pattern that has worked. They will sit back and watch you play. Then they will counter-attack at rapid pace. That is of course the simplistic description – it is far more technical than that. Forest’s defensive discipline and precision in attack has been incredible to watch. And Pep thinks so too.
“He has been incredible, qualifying for Europa League with Wolves and now with Nottingham Forest,” Guardiola said of Nuno. “He has done a really good job. The guys have good skills, and I admire that they defend well and have a good spirit. They have the transition with top, top players up front.”
City’s defeat at the City Ground in March showed what Forest can do to the big sides. As Guardiola intimated, if City go all the way they can take the FA Cup as a consolation prize for what has been a season far below usual standards. But to do that, the squad would have to reflect on the lessons from that defeat at the City Ground in March.
“When we arrive at Wembley, it’ll be about preparing as best as possible and remembering the game we played at Forest away,” he said. “We will learn from that, what they can do, and try to let the players feel the type of game we’re going to face.”
