Jeremy Doku: Chelsea are dangerous on the counter, FA Cup final will be interesting | OneFootball

Jeremy Doku has reflected on the transformation in his mentality since joining Manchester City, crediting the club’s culture of winning as the defining difference in his development as a player.

The high-flying winger has been one of the standout performers in Manchester City‘s run-in, scoring a stunning brace in the 3-3 draw at Everton and netting the opener in last week’s 3-0 win over Brentford as City push for a domestic treble in the final weeks of the season.

Speaking to NAT Sports UAE ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley, Doku opened up on what City have given him since his arrival to England from Rennes in France and assessed the challenge awaiting his side this weekend from an opponent he respects despite their inconsistent season.

I’ve learnt to win games, that’s the difference – Doku

Doku was reflective when asked about his growth under Pep Guardiola, pointing to a shift in mentality that goes beyond individual ability.

“I’ve learnt to win games. That’s the difference from where I came,” he said. “In Man City, the demand is higher, more quality players, also they expect you to win every game.

“You play more finals, more of these types of games, always in the race for something. It’s just that different type of pressure I’ve learnt how to cope with. It’s a special club because of the consistency.

“Everyone that works here is working towards the same goal. Everyone is nice, humble, just working. I feel we all just want to maintain the level and try reach our goals.”

The description of City’s internal culture – humble, collective, driven – echoes what Guardiola himself said last week as he shed light on the unique environment at the club – as well as the tributes paid by Aymeric Laporte and Ilkay Gundogan upon their departures. For Doku, that culture has been the making of him as a player.

Doku: Chelsea are dangerous on the counter, Saturday’s final will be interesting

Turning his attention to Saturday’s opponents, Doku was respectful, confident and sharp in his tactical reading of what City can expect at Wembley from a Chelsea side enduring a turbulent campaign by all accounts and with a point to prove.

“This season, Chelsea haven’t been their standard. I believe they want to end with a trophy, they’ll give it their all. When you look at the squad, they have amazing players,” the 23-year-old added.

“They’ll maybe give us the ball a bit but on counter-attacks, it’ll be very dangerous. We played them recently, we know a bit how they play. It will be interesting.”

Doku also spoke about the experience of playing at Wembley itself – a venue he has now visited on several occasions in the past two seasons.

“It’s a big stadium. Every time you play at Wembley, two crowds. One against you, one for you,” the Belgium international said.

“When you go there, you know it’s because of a big game, a final, semi-final. I’ve played there a couple of times in the last years, it’s always great to play there. The stadium already gives you that atmosphere, but also the occasion.”

What does the FA Cup final mean for City’s season?

Saturday’s final represents City’s chance to complete what would be a remarkable domestic double, having already won the Carabao Cup against Arsenal at Wembley in March.

City have lost their last two FA Cup finals to Manchester United and Crystal Palace in 2024 and 2025 respectively – and Guardiola has spoken openly about his desire to put that right, describing Wembley as “the cathedral of English football” ahead of Saturday’s tie.

For Doku, who is yet to win the competition, Saturday is an opportunity to add to a season that has already been the finest of his Manchester City career.