'Not the standard we set for ourselves' - Man City star Ilkay Gundogan admits winning the FA Cup will not make up for dismal season under Pep Guardiola

Manchester City have massively struggled in this campaign as they looked to defend their four-straight Premier League titles after Rodri's season-ending injury affected Guardiola's team's dynamics. The Citizens looked to be heading for their first trophyless season since 2017, during their mid-season struggles.

City have slowly gathered some semblance of form since the turn of the year, albeit far from their usual vigour. The Citizens have reached the FA Cup semi-finals and are hoping that they can avoid going trophyless this season. However, former captain Gundogan has now claimed that winning just the FA Cup is good, but 'not the standard' they have set for themselves.

Speaking to ESPN, Gundogan said: "The past has shown that it's not the standard we set for ourselves. We know things were not good enough from our side throughout the season. We can't change that, we can only take it and be honest with ourselves. It's important to admit to yourself.

"There are two targets left for us. One is obviously to qualify for the Champions League next year, which is vital for the club and also for us players as well. The other one is to try to get to the FA Cup final. We're going back to Wembley for the semifinal, and it's always special. It's going to be tough, but it's going to be the only chance, with the Club World Cup, for silverware this season. We'll try to go for it."

Gundogan and Manchester City are set to take on Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-final later this week as they hope to light up Wembley Stadium, the way they have so many times before.