Pep determined to extend proud FA Cup record | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola is determined to extend Manchester City’s record of reaching seven successive FA Cup semi-finals.

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City face Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday at 12:45 (UK) with the chance of returning to Wembley for a second time this season following our Carabao Cup triumph before the international break.

This is Guardiola’s 10th season in charge and only once has he not gone beyond the sixth round stage.

Not since Clapham Rovers between 1873 and 1881 has any club reached the last four of the historic competition in seven successive campaigns.

The City boss was delighted to win our first piece of silverware of the season when we beat Arsenal 2-0 in last month’s Carabao Cup final but says his focus has already switched to pushing for another trophy.

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“It was a long time ago already,” he said at his pre-match news conference about the victory over the Gunners.

“It’s better and nice to win another title. It’s not the most prestigious one but the fact is it’s another chance to play against the best team in Europe so far in the Premier League and the Champions League. It was a good test against a good team.

“We finished one and think of the next one. Tomorrow we have chance to make another incredible milestone - eight semi-finals in a row.

“It’s never happened. This is a prestigious competition. Another game against a special opponent for us. Hopefully [the fans] can help us celebrate the title won and reach another semi-final.”

City’s record in the FA Cup under Guardiola shows a remarkable consistency to compete for trophies.

With six Premier League titles and now five League Cup triumphs, his side have always been ready for tough matches, particularly with the jeopardy of exiting tournaments.

“Since we won the first Premier League we have now won six Premier Leagues now and won five [League Cups], seven semi-finals in the FA Cup and four finals,” he added.

“That defines the club, the consistency.

“In cups, all the time you can have a bad afternoon. You are not always playing League One, League Two or Premier League teams, you can have a bad afternoon but it didn’t happen. Always we were there.

“That’s what makes me proud the most. You can win a title and make a good season. Seven semi-finals in a row and to fight for an eighth in the FA Cup is really, really good.”