Ilkay Gundogan makes FA Cup vow after admission over Man City's trying season

Ilkay Gundogan knows have let their standards slip this season – but believes they have recovered them in time to win the . City failed to mount a title challenge this season, after a record four successive triumphs, and are currently 18 points behind soon-to-be-crowned champions .

But City, who endured a run of nine defeats and a solitary win in 13 games in their mid-season crisis, are back on track, taking on in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday and up to third in the Premier League table.

has fond memories of his last appearance at Wembley, when his two goals – including the fastest in FA Cup final history after 13 seconds – saw City beat local rivals 2-1 to lift the trophy in 2023.

Although City have fallen short in the league this season, midfielder Gundogan claimed they can end a difficult campaign on a high by winning the FA Cup and securing a place via a top-five finish.

“We've dropped in many points that are necessary to maintain at the highest level,” said Gundogan. “The standard of the Premier League is just incredible at this moment in time and other results have shown that.

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“But what we have been doing right now since the March international break is our mentality and getting out onto the pitch to win duels, be aggressive and fight for each other. I feel like we've come back from that international break with more energy and that's the energy we need until the end of the season.

“Obviously, for us, the FA Cup is the last chance for silverware this season, so we're really looking forward to and excited to play a tough game, but a game that we want to be ready for and to proceed to the final.”

Although City failed in the two biggest competitions – the Premier League and Champions League – this season, Gundogan said Pep Guardiola's side have shown great mental resolve to have a chance of winning the FA Cup.

They came from behind against , and to reach the last four, and Gundogan said those comebacks showed how much the FA Cup means to City's players.

“That's something we've been doing well, especially away at Bournemouth, which was a really tough game, especially the way Bournemouth performed this season,” said Gundogan. “I feel like it was a really good comeback, but on the other side it's something that's necessary to win games, to win titles and to proceed.

“It's a competition with a lot of tradition in this country and it's an occasion for the biggest players in the biggest games as well. It's a trophy we would love to win again this year, but we face Forest, who are a very uncomfortable team to face.

“They beat us a few weeks ago and are playing a great campaign in the Premier League. It's going to be a really tough game, but we are travelling to Wembley to try to win the game and win the final.”

Gundogan is hoping the memory of his two-goal heroics on his last visit to Wembley can help inspire him to get City to a third successive final.

“I personally enjoyed it very much when I was last there,” said Gundogan. “It was a great day – Wembley, the FA Cup, also a derby against United and being able to contribute with two goals to get that title felt amazing.”

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