Pep Guardiola apologised for singing the praises of his Manchester City players during his post-match interview following their victory over AFC Bournemouth. The reigning Premier League champions reached the FA Cup semi-finals by coming from behind to beat the Cherries away from home. They will face Nottingham Forest in the last four at Wembley.
Evanilson poked home from close range to give Bournemouth an early lead after Erling Haaland missed a penalty for the visitors. The latter made amends by equalising for City after the break, with Omar Marmoush scoring what proved to be the winner in the 63rd minute. It saw City book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the seventh season in a row.
After the final whistle, Guardiola was quizzed on their remarkable record in the competition and apologised to the interviewer as he showered his players in praise.
“We did it, seven times in a row reaching semi-finals in the FA Cup,” the Spaniard told ITV. “I am sorry to tell you, but this is outstanding. This generation of players, they have done this. To come here one of the toughest away places to come.”
Guardiola was particularly delighted with the performance of Nico O’Reilly, who came off the bench to create both goals as City mounted a second-half comeback.
“The impact from Nico was really good, but not just him,” added Guardiola. “Really pleased that we reach the semi-final again. Not just young players, but the old players as well.
“Bernardo [Silva], Gundo [Ilkay Gundogan] and Kevin [De Bruyne], you know they are really good. Nico scored two goals against Plymouth and the impact today was outstanding. He’s going to play in the semi-final, for sure.
Guardiola noted City’s significant improvements from their Premier League meeting with Bournemouth in November, when they were beaten by the Cherries for the first time in their history.
“Comparing the game we played in November, we came here with flip-flops, we came here for the holiday against a team that competes,” said the City boss.
“Today, we were a team and we challenged. In football you have to run. We love the FA Cup. Hopefully, we can reach the final.”
City will face either Crystal Palace or Aston Villa in the final if they beat Forest under the Wembley arch next month. They were runners-up in the FA Cup last season, losing to bitter rivals Manchester United in the showpiece match.