Pep Guardiola took a cheeky dig at Manchester United supporters by assuring them that Manchester City wouldn’t be able to repeat their historic triple.
Sheffield United’s dreams of pulling off a shock in the semifinals were dashed by Riyad Mahrez, who left Wembley with the game’s winning ball. He scored a penalty to give City the lead from the spot shortly before halftime. Mahrez then scored twice in as many minutes to record a hat-trick in an FA Cup semifinal, making him the first player to do it since 1958.
City now has a solid opportunity of following in the footsteps of United’s legendary 1999 campaign by winning every major trophy in the sport this season. With the FA Cup final secured, a semi final showdown awaiting against defending champions Real Madrid, and a Premier League title win against Arsenal becoming more secure, the treble is a real possibility this season.
What did Pep Guardiola say?
According to Sam Lee, Pep Guardiola then spoke in the post game conference, “They (United) don’t have to be scared. We are neighbors – and neighbors are always nice to each other. We are still far away (from the Treble).”
Guardiola also claimed that anyone who envisions winning the treble is being unrealistic. “We are far away, people cannot believe that we are far away from this kind of situation. It is OK for people to discuss it for a funny moment, but the reality is different. The reality is to come here and perform.”
"Man United don't have to be scared, we are neighbours!" 😂
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) April 22, 2023
Pep Guardiola responds to whether their main rivals will be scared, if they win the treble this season!
🔗 https://t.co/hK0e2ifmY3 pic.twitter.com/L0arLsxjdr
He also further talked about the game, “We lacked a little bit, but in general it was a really good performance. We saw a vibe in the locker room. To be in the final is double satisfaction.”
“What I’m impressed by with this club is everyone – hierarchy, backroom staff – is winning titles, winning titles and we are still there. That is what makes me proud the most as a manager.”
Manchester City’s treble charge
Arsenal recently dropped points against Southampton which means that they are now at 75 points in 32 games. Having played 2 games less, City has 70 points. They now face Arsenal and Fulham next which means that they could become first in the league table and record a third consecutive Premier League win.
The Citizens are also in the semis of the Champions League after beating Bayern 4-1 in the quarters. They do face defending champions and Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid, so it will be a bit of a difficult task. Real had eliminated them last season miraculously. If they do manage to beat this great Real Madrid team, then they will face the winner of the Inter Milan- AC Milan semi final in the UCL final. It would also be their maiden UCL title. It has also been the only trophy that has eluded Guardiola in recent years.
If United beats Brighton in the second semifinal, it may have to play a City squad that has won the Premier League two years in a row and is on its way to the Champions League Final. United’s recent struggles mean that City could easily win an FA Cup and possibly become the second English team to win the treble.
City also boasts one of the best football teams in the world right now. They have Erling Haaland in front, with World Cup winner Julian Alvarez and Riyad Mahrez. They have the likes of De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Foden, and Gundogan in midfield. In the back, with Ederson in goal, they have Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, Walker, Stones, and Laporte. This is a squad that everyone fears and they could win everything.
Guardiola already knows what a treble feels like. He won the historic sextuple with Barcelona back in 2009. Now he can do the same with Manchester City and cement his status as a great tactician of the game.
