Pep Guardiola praised Nico Gonzalez for his match-winning goal against Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final. Guardiola also provided career advice to Gonzalez on areas for improvement to secure a starting position.
Pep Guardiola issues career advice to Nico Gonzalez as Manchester City avoid Southampton FA Cup scare
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola waxed lyrical of Nico Gonzalez after the midfielder’s match-winning strike over Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.
Gonzalez rescued Manchester City as Jeremy Doku canceled Finn Azaz‘s opener as the Blues kept their hopes of a domestic treble alive by reaching their fourth FA Cup final in a row.
City were far from their best at Wembley as Pep Guardiola made eight changes to his lineup from the midweek win over Burnley but five substitutions in the second-half against Southampton did the trick for the Etihad Stadium outfit.
The Blues have won six on the bounce in all competitions as they look to go on a perfect winning run between now and the end of the season, with Guardiola giving his players three days off after a successful Saturday in the English capital.
Match Report & Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-1 Southampton (FA Cup Semi-Final)
Pep Guardiola praised Nico Gonzalez for his stunning goal and advised him on areas he needs to improve to become a regular starter.
Manchester City won the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton, with Nico Gonzalez scoring the decisive goal after Jeremy Doku equalized.
Nico Gonzalez is a midfielder for Manchester City, and his recent performance has drawn attention from manager Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City remains in contention for a domestic treble after winning the Carabao Cup and reaching the FA Cup final.
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In a post-match interview with BBC Match of the Day, Guardiola admitted that Jeremy Doku and Savinho changed the course of the semi-final after they were introduced in the second-half.
“Exceptional,” the Catalan said on Manchester City’s performance against Southampton. “When the wingers came, they changed the pace.
“It was just extraordinary the second-half, but football has incredible surprises; the first time they crossed halfway they made a fantastic goal. And after that, one shot deflected to equalise, and after what a second goal from Nico!”
Taking huge pride in Manchester City’s record fourth successive FA Cup final berth, the 55-year-old added: “Listen, Manchester City never, never, ever, and in this country, and since the UK was born, no team has made four (FA Cup) finals in a row.
“Imagine next season, one team will be in four finals in a row – it’s extraordinary! Hopefully we can arrive in a good momentum and decisions, which are something we cannot control in that time will be fair for both teams. That is only my wish.”
Guardiola reserved special praise for match-winner Gonzalez, who has reflected on his struggles for minutes in recent months after his semi-final heroics against Southampton.
“What a goal! He deserves it because he made an incredible season, replacing Rodri is not easy. He has made a top (season) and what a goal,” Guardiola said on the 24-year-old midfielder.
“He’s a guy who has to believe in himself more, ‘I can do more, be more active’. Sometimes he plays to be safe and the initiative with the goal – that’s the mentality he has to play with as a holding midfielder! He’s a top guy, still young, and he can improve a lot.”
“It’s been a long time without playing” – Nico Gonzalez reflects on Manchester City minutes after Wembley winner
Gonzalez will be hoping to retain his starting place in the FA Cup final against whoever of Chelsea or Leeds United win Sunday’s other semi-final, with Guardiola and Manchester City eagerly awaiting Rodri’s return to fitness after the Ballon d’Or winner suffered a calf injury against Arsenal last week.