Pep Lijnders, assistant coach of Manchester City, appeared in a press statement following the 4-0 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals at the Etihad Stadium.

Linders, who was on the bench instead of Guardiola, said: "Pep is very happy, and that's what matters most. He's not easy to please. We played a good match. In the first 25 minutes, we were very exposed. Then we started to control the game and created more chances. We deserved to win."

Regarding what Guardiola said after the match: "He praised the players who participated in the past weeks but did not play today. He was extremely happy because it is a remarkable achievement to reach Wembley eight times in eight consecutive years. Now we are in the decisive phase. This is the part of the season where things need to be settled. The players feel it."

Regarding Erling Haaland's hat-trick: "What a goal! Unbelievable. His header was fantastic. I love seeing strikers charge and attack the ball, and the fans love it too."

"After returning to Wembley Stadium to play the FA Cup semi-final, following their win in the English League Cup: 'We have to prove it. We might face a tough opponent again. Wembley is a special stadium, and I am happy for the fans. These are special days.'"