Last shot at glory for 'legends' Guardiola still burning with desire

Amid these challenges, City achieved a morale-boosting 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals, securing a record seventh consecutive semi-final appearance. Guardiola expressed hope that this win would help the team rediscover its "heart and soul" for the remainder of the season. ​

​Manchester City's recent 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals provided a much-needed boost in a challenging season. Manager Pep Guardiola's animated sideline demeanor mirrored the team's collective relief and renewed determination as they overturned a halftime deficit to secure their place in the semi-finals. ​

The match began with City trailing after Evanilson capitalized on a mistake by Matheus Nunes to give Bournemouth the lead. Guardiola's strategic halftime adjustments, including introducing Nico O'Reilly and repositioning Josko Gvardiol to center-back, revitalized the team's performance. O'Reilly's energetic play was instrumental; he assisted Erling Haaland's equalizer early in the second half and set up Omar Marmoush's winning goal shortly after Haaland left the field due to an ankle injury.

Pep Guardiola's frantic body language released every frustration suffered in a season of mediocrity as the clouds lifted and the sun finally shone on Manchester City at Bournemouth.

 Guardiola has cut a tortured, agonised figure for most of a campaign in which the form of his City side fell off a cliff after claiming a historic four successive Premier League titles.

 It left the FA Cup as the only target left to stop Guardiola suffering the rare ignominy of finishing a season empty-handed for the first time since his opening one at City in 2016-17 - which was the only campaign he has not won a trophy as a manager.

 And watching Guardiola at close quarters at Vitality Stadium as City came from behind to win 2-1 made a mockery of Guardiola's own assertion that not even winning the FA Cup could make up for failing to make a dent in the Premier League and Champions League.

 It was pure theatre watching a man so used to glory - who lives for success - exude relief, celebration and then uncontained joy when City deservedly got over the line.

 After repeatedly failing to find solutions to the crisis that has dragged City down this season, at least by their own standards, this was Guardiola publicly savoring the sweet taste of victory. He said City came to the Vitality "with flip-flops" when they suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season in November.  This was strictly business.

 "In November, we came here for a holiday against a team that competes," he added.

 The only thing that smacked of a holiday here was the glorious south-coast weather as British Summer Time arrived - and City had to survive a storm of their own making before securing the win.

 From the first minute, Guardiola burned with desire for victory, a livewire in the technical area throughout and at the final whistle after a win that sealed a remarkable seventh successive FA Cup semi-final appearance, this time against Nottingham Forest.

 And, as all the great managers do, Guardiola still kept his analytical mind ice-cold throughout the fiery touchline behaviour to make the change that turned the tide of this quarter-final when City trailed to Evanilson's scrambled goal at the interval.

 Guardiola removed the struggling central defender Abdukodir Khusanov, switching Josko Gvardiol into the middle and introducing talented 20-year-old Nico O'Reilly at left-back.

 O'Reilly's natural position, as Guardiola confirmed, is a number 10, but here he did damage on the flanks, setting up an equaliser for Erling Haaland, who had missed a first-half penalty, then played in substitute Omar Marmoush for the winner.

However, the victory was tempered by an injury to star striker Erling Haaland, who left the match with a protective boot and crutches after scoring his 30th goal of the season. The extent of his injury remains uncertain, posing concerns for City's attacking options in upcoming fixtures. 

uardiola's visible passion during the match reflected the frustrations of a season marked by inconsistent performances and early exits from key competitions. This hard-fought win not only keeps City's hopes for silverware alive but also demonstrates the resilience and potential within the squad, particularly from emerging talents like O'Reilly. ​The Scottish Sun+4Latest news & breaking headlines+4The Guardian+4

Looking ahead, Manchester City will face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley. This upcoming fixture presents an opportunity for Guardiola's side to build momentum and strive for success in a season that has tested their mettle.​​