Bernardo Silva has rallied his Manchester City teammates to put last season’s FA Cup disappointment behind them as they gear up for Sunday’s semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest at Wembley.
City’s hopes of silverware remain alive as Pep Guardiola’s side look to book their place in another FA Cup final. After falling just short against Manchester United in last year’s final — despite Jeremy Doku’s late goal sparking a fightback — Bernardo believes City have a point to prove.
“Last year wasn’t our best performance,” Bernardo admitted, speaking to the FA. “I don’t like making excuses, but after the intensity of the Premier League title race, I think we dropped our level a little in the final.”
United struck twice through Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo before Doku’s reply, leaving City frustrated at Wembley. Although revenge came quickly with a win in the Community Shield, the pain of that FA Cup defeat still lingers — and this year’s competition offers the perfect chance for redemption.
Victory over Forest would send City back to the final for a third consecutive season, with Crystal Palace and Aston Villa contesting the other semi-final. Bernardo knows what’s at stake.
“We want to be there again, to win this trophy again,” he said. “To reach three finals in a row would be incredible. What we’ve achieved already — six Premier Leagues in eight seasons, a Champions League, FA Cups, everything — it’s beyond what I ever dreamed.”
Despite admitting this season hasn’t hit City’s usual high standards, Bernardo insists the hunger remains.
“This season hasn’t been close to the level we want — but that’s part of football. Now it’s time to regroup, go back to basics, and do what we do best.”
City fans will be hoping Sunday marks the start of a strong finish — and another piece of silverware to add to the collection.