Experienced midfielder Gareth Barry believes beating Chelsea at Wembley in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final will effectively secure Manchester City’s second FA Cup success in three years.
Barry started the FA Cup final in 2011 when the Blues beat Stoke City to record their first major domestic trophy in 35 years.
And with a clash against Milwall or Wigan Athletic awaiting the winner of Sunday’s showdown, the 32-year-old believes defeating Chelsea will put City in pole position to repeat their triumph.
“It feels more like a final,” he told The Sun. “This is the bigger game of the two and if we can get through it this could be another FA Cup for us.
“I am looking forward to it. You want to be playing big games at this stage of the season, as this is, when they hand out the trophies.”
The England international also believes beating rivals Manchester United in Monday night’s derby delivered a timely boost ahead of City’s trip to Wembley too.
However, the former Aston Villa captain admitted the victory was tinged with disappointment as United still sit 12 points clear of the Blues.
“To win at Old Trafford two years in a row sets a good standard for our club,” he said.
“But there is some frustration that we haven’t played like that more often.
“There are things we can learn from them – the fact that they have consistently got results this year without playing well. We need to try to do that ourselves next year.”
Image courtesy of mcfcofficial, via YouTube, with thanks.
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