Mateo Kovacic lost the FA Cup final with Chelsea in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and was beaten in the Manchester City team by Manchester United in Wembley in 2024
Mateo Kovacic says that winning the FA Cup can be the springboard for Manchester City to continue and rule the world.
Kovacic – who has lost his four previous FA Cup finals – said that City Success has taken for granted in their unprecedented era of success under Pep Guardiola. But this season City was well achieved by the standards so that they won six Premier League titles in seven years, including the Treble in 2023.
City failed to tackle a title challenge this season, after he won the Premier League four times in a row and had not won the last 16 of the Champions League. But Guardiola's side can save their season by beating Crystal Palace in Wembley on Saturday, of which Kovacic said it would be the perfect boost for next month's club in the US.
“This season, although it has not been good, we can end it in a positive way, which can give us a big push for the club World Cup,” said midfielder Kovacic.
“Let's see what the end of the season gives us. We always expect the season to be better, but I think many teams have good seasons and will not end.
“In the end we are in a final, which is never easy, and we are still in the top four, which is also not easy. In this club you consider it naturally because we have been consistently at the top for so many years.
“We caught up with our shape a little late. We had a great start to the season and we baptized a lot. Now we are overtaking again.
“Unfortunately it didn't take the entire season, like it before, but we are still in a fight for the top four and in a FA Cup -Final that is never easy. In the end, this season can turn out to be good. We are improving a lot – the final will be difficult, like every final. There is a lot of pressure on both teams, but we are ready.”
Kovacic has more reason than most of the City team to lift the FA Cup, after he has lost all his previous finals – three with Chelsea and last season with Guardiola's side.
The Serbia star lost three consecutive finals, from 2020 to 2022, then last season when City was beaten 2-1 by local Rivals Manchester United.
“This will be my fifth final and as always I will try to help the team reach the FA Cup trophy,” said Kovacic. “It would be great and to play the final at Wembley is always special.”
“Every trophy is important for me, because it is a different story and journey. The FA Cup is the oldest cup and it is special. They are knockout games and if you have a bad day, you're gone. But we've had a good run this season and I can't wait for the final.”