Pep Guardiola greeted Manchester City's ability to embrace pressure after they took the lead over the Champions League race.
Matheus Nunes scored a dramatic winner of the 94th minute to beat Aston Villa and go to the third in the Premier League with four more games.
Guardiola was visibly emotional after the 2-1 wins and claimed that their performances turned around during the FA Cup victory in Bournemouth When City extended their undefeated run to seven games prior to Sunday's semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
“Football is emotion,” Guardiola said. 'For the fans, players, we have a lot of pressure for the club to go to the Champions League.
'The players behave incredibly – we are so satisfied. Of course it was important. You don't have to be a scientist to realize.
'I saw Villa's matches against Newcastle, PSG, their top form. We performed as if we were in the past with the dedication. We have checked most of the game.
'The game of Bournemouth has changed something and let us realize that we are not miles away. Look today how everyone moved, we were so aggressive.
'We need it in the semi -final, I am incredibly impressed by the forest and how they defend every ball as if it were the last ball of their lives. This is talent. We focus on the last four games, if we win them, we will be there. '
Guardiola also supported supporters who chose to protest at ticket prices and general access problems. Hundreds gathered an hour before the kick -off outside the stadium, with the cheapest available ticket for adults £ 71.
“I am in the side of the people,” he added. “I understand. The clubs can express life as fans [themselves]. Who should I say it's right or wrong? When I go to the theater or the cinema, I pay and I want to see something that I like.
'Of course we want a complete stadium every time. The club is open when there are disagreements. '
The Catalan also praised goal scorer Bernardo Silva, who was criticized for his displays this year.
“I don't forget Bernardo what he did for us this season,” said Guardiola.
'He didn't play much the last minutes, but I don't forget that December marched when we didn't win any game and he was there every time kilometers played 30 positions.
“There was a moment when he was empty, but Bernardo for important games has an incredibly large personality.”