Into the FA-Cup Final! Transfer Rumours & UCL Heartbreak.

Monday

According to Mike McGrath from The Telegraph, Kyle Walker ‘feels ready’ to play against Real Madrid on Wednesday. Great News.

Manchester City were officially crowned 2017/2018 Premier League Champions after reaching the incredible milestone of 100 points in a single season, On This Day six years ago. The day in which the iconic nickname 'The Centurions' was born. Time flies.

According to a report by Steve Kay from Football Transfers, Manchester City have held talks with Wolves regarding a possible summer move for Rayan Ait-Nouri. The Algerian international is also being monitored by Arsenal and Liverpool - However City’s pursuit may be ‘aided’ by their relationship with his agent, Jorge Mendes. 

In Monday's training session, Manchester City had a surprise appearance as Kevin De Bruyne’s son Mason payed a visit to show the boys how it’s done.

Kevin De Bruyne posted these images on his Instagram page @KevinDeBruyne, with the caption: 'The team needed some tips. So the little man gave them some.'

Has Project MDB officially began?

Tuesday

Happy Birthday Manchester City! The Best team in the land & all the world is officially 130 today. 

Pep Guardiola and Bernardo Silva spoke in a Pre-Match press conference ahead of Manchester City vs Real Madrid. 

Bernardo Silva

“I’m not surprised that we are in this position again. All the tough things start now, and we’re very happy we are in a position to fight for everything. It won’t be easy..."

“We want to create that legacy. We want to win the PL six in seven years, four in a row. We want to win the UCL two in a row... And if we can win two Trebles in a row, that would be legacy.” 

Pep Guardiola

“I think our people at home will help us a lot. It's sold out everything. We need a lot of noise, a lot of presence from them... But they will, I'm sure of that…” 

Pep Guardiola also confirmed that Kyle Walker’s availability for Man City vs Real Madrid will be assessed in training.

Wednesday

Heartbreak.

Manchester City were knocked out of the Champions League in a gut-wrenching defeat against Real Madrid in the Semi-Final Second-Leg. 

Lat week City flew to Madrid to face the Spaniards, with the game ending 3-3.

Wednesdays game began. After an early 12th minute goal from Rodrigo, City ended the first half a goal behind. After countless failed attempts on goal for City, everything changed on the 72nd minute, as none other than Kevin De Bruyne was the man to to step up, sending the Etihad stadium into sheer chaos after scoring an equaliser.

Before we knew it… the game ended. Extra-time passed, and the penalties began... and City were knocked out of the Champions League. 

Thursday

A slow news day at the HQ, but more transfer rumours surfaced from the well-respected Guardian newspaper.

According to Jacob Steinberg from The Guardian, Manchester City plan for a big push to sign Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala in summer. City’s targets include Jamal Musiala, Lucas Paquetá and Eberechi Eze. Pep Guardiola wants to have more options in the attacking midfielder role for Manchester City and Musiala is emerging as his top target.

Ed Aarons from The Guardian also reported that Michael Olise is being 'heavily tracked' by Manchester City. The player has a release clause in the range of around £65M.

Friday

Pep Guardiola and Phil Foden took part in a Pre-match interview ahead of City’s FA Cup Semi-Final against Chelsea on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola

“Last June, when we beat Manchester United here to win the FA Cup, it was one of the greatest days of my career... The emotion was so high… The players loved it, too, and that is why we are so determined to win again because we want to be back here to defend our trophy at the end of the season.”

“I won two UCL titles here (at Wembley) with Barcelona, once as a player, once as a manager when we beat Man United. With Manchester City I've been here many, many times. Honestly it's always special and those memories will never, ever fade..."

“We will see about injuries…. Erling felt something, muscular issue, that's why he asked to come off…. De Bruyne feels well… He felt his hamstring, so tired. After what happened it’s normal.

Phil Foden

Phil Foden on wearing No.47:

“The age my grandad was when he died. My dad says he loved playing football with me... I don’t ever see changing. It’s nice to make your own legacy... Hopefully when I've finished, 47 at Man City will be remembered for Phil Foden..." 

“Nobody has won four Premier League titles in a row… yet. Everyday I look at that slogan and think, why not?"

Part 2:

Pep Guardiola on speaking to his players after losing to Madrid: 

“I said thank you to all of them to dignify the profession, the job, what they did after what they did in the past, with the humility to try it again.”

“The guys who take penalties are heroes for me. The guys who took the ball, go there to shoot, can do whatever they want. You have to be a huge personality. Not everyone is able, and they did it.”

Saturday

It’s FA Cup Semi-Final day!

The day began with a report coming in by Picón from Relevo, suggesting that Manchester City are already thinking about a future without Pep Guardiola with Girona manager Míchel is among the candidates. A final decision has not yet been made, however there’s 'less and less trust' in a contract renewal beyond 2025.

Game-Time: Man City vs Chelsea:

After a first half of contestant attempts from Manchester City, simply lacking in the art of shooting, the first half ended 0-0. Not a great half in any regard.

After another 39 minutes of Manchester City struggling to get a goal, Bernardo Silva was the difference, scoring in the 84th minute sending City into the FA Cup final.

After the game, Pep Guardiola summed it up perfectly in regard to the busy schedule for him and his team: I don’t understand how we survived.”

Sunday

After a heartbreaking defeat for Coventry in the FA Cup Semi-Final - an, in my humble opinion, undeserving Manchester United won on penalties - meaning another Manchester derby FA Cup final.

Run it back.