Gundogan on FA Cup semi-final: Positive approach is key | OneFootball

Ilkay Gundogan says a positive approach is imperative for City in our FA Cup semi-final this weekend because that optimistic outlook helps us deliver our best football.

The Blues have been in fine form since defeating Bournemouth in the last round of the world’s oldest cup competition.

Pep Guardiola’s men have won five and drawn one including that Cherries triumph as we now chase down Champions League qualification and FA Cup glory.

These upbeat results have fostered an assured and buoyant mood which Gundogan is keen to nurture as we take on Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

“We have to be confident,” he said.

“When we play with confidence we play automatically better. Our game requires confidence because we want to play brave, possession-based football.

“We need that because we have been playing many games where we lacked a little bit of confidence and haven’t dealt well with it.

“We have to do that, stay true to ourselves and know what we are playing for.

“Then, I am confident that we can reach the final.”

Gundogan is relishing Sunday’s exciting encounter, insisting it will be a ‘special occasion’ as we compete in a record-breaking seventh semi-final in succession.

The tie, played at hallowed Wembley, will arrive with plenty of pomp and circumstance.

But Gundogan insists he’s focused on picking up the right result and progressing through to the showpiece final in May.

“It feels amazing,” he continued.

“Wembley is always a special occasion and in recent years we have been quite successful going to Wembley.

“Being there again and having the possibility of being in the FA Cup final and to go back to Wembley again, it feels great.

“Obviously for us it is the last chance for silverware this season, so we are really looking forward and excited to play a tough game, but a game that we want to be ready for and proceed to the final.”

The Blues will be up against this season’s surprise package, Champions League chasing Nottingham Forest, at Wembley.

Forest, under the leadership of Nuno Espirito Santo, are fourth in the Premier League as they battle, alongside City, for a top-five placing which would guarantee UCL entry next term.

Gundogan says City will be taking the East Midlanders incredibly seriously in the 16:30 (UK) clash.

“It is a competition with a lot of tradition in this country and it is an occasion for the biggest players in the biggest games as well,” he added.

“It is a trophy that we would love to win again this year, but we face Nottingham Forest who are a very uncomfortable team to face.

“They were able to beat us a few weeks ago and they are playing a great campaign in the Premier League. It is going to be a really tough game, but we are travelling to Wembley to try to win the game and win the final.”

The last time Gundogan played at Wembley was the FA Cup final, the second leg of our never-to-be-forgotten Treble.

The German scored our two goals that day in a 2-1 victory over Manchester United, the first in a record-breaking time of 12 seconds.

WATCH: City 2-1 Manchester United: Extended FA Cup final highlights

The 34-year-old recalls wonderful memories of a wonderful day as he gets set for a return to the national stadium this weekend.

“I personally enjoyed it very much when I was last there yes!” he said.

“It was a great day and again talking about occasions, not just Wembley and the FA Cup, also a derby against United and being able to contribute with scoring two goals to get that title felt amazing.”