Pep Guardiola said Nico Gonzalez must develop a more assertive mentality despite scoring a decisive goal to send Manchester City into another FA Cup final, as the manager highlighted a key area for improvement in the young midfielder’s game.
The Spaniard was speaking after City’s dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over Southampton at Wembley Stadium, where Gonzalez’s late strike completed a comeback that briefly looked unlikely.
City had been pushed to the brink by the Championship side, who threatened to produce another upset in a competition known for its unpredictability.
But a late surge, sparked by the introduction of fresh attacking options, turned the tie in Guardiola’s side’s favour and secured their place in a fourth final in the last four seasons.
Gonzalez delivers on the big stage
For much of the contest, City dominated possession without fully translating that control into clear-cut chances.
Southampton, disciplined and organised, absorbed pressure and waited for moments to break forward. When those opportunities came, they proved dangerous, eventually taking the lead late in the game and putting Guardiola’s side under real pressure.
With time running out, City needed a response. It came first through Jeremy Doku, whose equaliser reignited belief among the players and supporters.
Moments later, Gonzalez produced the defining contribution of the match, striking from distance with precision and power to complete the turnaround.
It was a goal of both technical quality and composure, arriving at a moment when City required clarity and confidence.
The finish not only sealed victory but also underlined Gonzalez’s growing influence within the squad during a season in which he has been tasked with filling a significant role.
Guardiola was quick to acknowledge the importance of that contribution, particularly given the difficulty of stepping into a position previously occupied by one of the team’s most influential players.
“What a goal! He deserves it because he made an incredible season, replacing Rodri is not easy. He has made a top [season], and what a goal!” Guardiola said per City Xtra
The manager’s praise reflected both the immediate impact of the goal and the broader context of Gonzalez’s campaign.
Asked to operate as a holding midfielder in a side that demands positional intelligence and composure under pressure, the young player has shown consistency and resilience.
Guardiola demands greater belief and initiative
While acknowledging Gonzalez’s quality, Guardiola pointed to mentality as the key area requiring improvement.
Specifically, he suggested that the midfielder must take greater responsibility in matches rather than opting for the safer option in possession.
In a role that often dictates the rhythm of play, the ability to recognise and seize moments can be as important as maintaining structure.
Guardiola believes Gonzalez has the tools to do more but must show the confidence to express himself consistently.
“He’s a guy who has to believe in himself more, ‘I can do more, be more active’.
“Sometimes he plays to be safe, and the initiative with the goal, that’s the mentality he has to play with as a holding midfielder! He’s a top guy, still young, and he can improve a lot,” he said.
For a holding midfielder in City’s system, the balance between control and creativity is crucial. Players are expected not only to shield the defence but also to initiate attacks and dictate tempo.
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Gonzalez’s winning goal served as an example of the kind of initiative Guardiola wants to see more regularly.
By stepping forward and taking responsibility in a decisive moment, he demonstrated a willingness to influence the game beyond his traditional role.
The City manager also reflected on the team’s overall performance, particularly the transformation after the break.
The introduction of wide players added pace and directness, stretching Southampton’s defensive structure and creating the openings that ultimately led to the comeback.
“Exceptional… When the wingers came, they changed the pace. It was just extraordinary the second-half, but football has incredible surprises; the first time they crossed halfway they made a fantastic goal.
“And after that, one shot deflected to equalise, and after what a second goal from Nico!” Guardiola said.
