It is no coincidence that Balotelli’s arrival – and one of his best games thus far in a City shirt – would lead to the club ending 35 years of hurt. Yes, 35 years since Man City last won a major trophy. Blues fans were sick to the back teeth of the gloating of their neighbours at United – gloating that had led to the emergence of a banner a few years earlier in the Stretford End proclaiming how many years it had been since City had won a big trophy.
But when the Blues won the FA Cup in 2011 – a victory that saw Mario Balotelli declared the official Man of the Match – the gloating and the hurt finally came to an end. The waiting was over: City were back in the big-time – and that was now official.
So official that United took down that gloating banner…
When Roberto Mancini had taken over as manager in 2009, he had been well aware of the banner. Indeed, he had pledged to City fans just a few weeks after becoming boss that he ‘would take that banner down’ for them. That he would restore pride…and that is just what he did, with the help of his co-Italian Balotelli and a few of their friends. And Edin Dzeko had also promised that he would do his best to get rid of the banner when he spoke just before the big game against Stoke. The Bosnian striker said, ‘I have heard about the banner. We want to change history and win something after a long time. I hope we will.’
The BBC reported the end of the banner in this way, ‘Manchester United fans have removed the banner at Old Trafford that showed the number of years since rivals Manchester City last won a trophy. Manchester City secured their first trophy since 1976 on Saturday when they defeated Stoke in the FA Cup final. Some Reds fans wanted the banner to mark the last time City won the league.
‘Manchester City’s players celebrated the FA Cup triumph at Wembley at the weekend by walking around the pitch on their lap of honour with a banner of their own that read “00 Years”. The mocking banner at the Stretford End of Old Trafford was a long-running wind-up by the United fans, who have just celebrated their fourth league title in five years.’
While the Telegraph reported, ‘The “ticker” had reached 35 prior to Manchester City’s 1-0 FA Cup final win over Stoke at Wembley but there had been some confusion about whether it would remain, even after Roberto Mancini’s side’s weekend triumph. It had been suggested it would be wound on to 43 to mark the last time City won the league title, or even stay at 35 as the Eastlands outfit had “bought” their trophy. That always seemed a far-fetched notion and there are plenty at Old Trafford who felt the banner should simply be “retired”.’
Of course, the fans from both sides had their say on the end of the banner. United fans, generally, continued to try to goad their City counterparts by arguing that, surely now City had won something big, they should be celebrating that rather than ‘going on’ about the removal of the banner. One United fan, Dave, summed up that argument ‘As a United fan I like the banner and wonder why, having had some success and won the FA Cup, City fans are so delighted with the removal of the banner rather than the winning of the trophy. If they are to repeat their success within the next 35 years, I don’t think anyone would take exception to it being the Championship.’
But City fan Vian countered strongly, making the point that the banner was a pain because United fans continued to refer to it when they were winning trophies. That it was actually United fans who were more interested in winding up their neighbours than celebrating their team’s success! Vian said, ‘Because, Dave – the banner hurt. It was a reminder of City’s conspicuous lack of success, especially during a period of United winning everything in sight. Honest City fans will tell you they hated the banner because it was absolutely spot on. So getting it pulled down is in itself an objective. That’s why I didn’t object to it – I thought it (through gritted teeth) fair comment.’
And lifelong City fan Claude made the point that it was now time for United fans – and other Premier League fans – to lay off Mancini, his team and the club owners. That, OK, they had spent money to turn City around, but the Cup win proved they were spending it well. Claude said, ‘Funny how less than a year ago all I was told from non-City fans and the Press was that money can’t buy you success. I was told repeatedly that money can buy you players, but it takes a quality manager to get them working together and apparently Mancini wasn’t capable of this. Well, I think it’s time to give credit where it’s due and stop slagging City off!
‘On a second point regarding United never buying a trophy. Over the past few years United have out-spent a lot of teams. Yes, this may have been due to their success but I think that they were just at the right place at the right time, as the Sky TV money came into football. Many teams have had winning periods over the years, but United were just lucky enough to be theirs at this time. I have supported City all my life even without winning anything – and am just glad [we are now starting] to win things.’
So just how did Balotelli, Mancini and Co bring about the end of the hurt? And the end of THAT banner at Old Trafford…the one that had also caused City fans so much pain over the years? The formula behind the winning of the FA Cup in 2011 – and the end of that 35-year heartache – was simple. Hard work, great play…and that inevitable bit of luck you need to win any major professional football tournament. It was also the culmination of 18 months of graft and wheeler dealing in the transfer marker by Mancini in turning the club into an outfit that could make the top four – and stay there.
City entered the FA Cup at the Third Round stage in January 2011 – and even then it appeared as if the Gods were shining on them. They drew Leicester City away and that in itself seemed symbolic of good fortune. Neil Young, who was terminally ill at the time, had scored City’s winning goal when the Blues took on Leicester in the 1969 FA Cup Final at the old Wembley.
After a fans’ campaign, the club agreed to dedicate the match to Neil – and the Blues also played their part in helping him and his family. Manchester City FC announced, ‘In response to the wishes of our fans, Manchester City are dedicating the FA Cup visit to Leicester City to all-time great and Hall of Fame member Neil Young. It was Young’s trusty left foot that fired the Blues to glory in the Wembley final against the Foxes in the 1969 final. That was just one of 107 goals that Young bagged in a glittering Blues career that encompassed more than a dozen years and 412 games in all competitions.
‘Sadly, Neil has been ill for some time and was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. Our supporters want to pay tribute to a true club legend, so in Neil’s honour we are producing red and black scarves for the trip to Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Leicester City on January 9. All fans who have bought a ticket to the game have received a voucher that entitles the bearer to a red and black scarf when a donation is made to support the family of Neil Young and the Cecilia Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital.’ It was a classy, fitting tribute to a man who had brought so much happiness to City fans with that goal in ’69.
And the team then did their part by dispensing with the Foxes – although it would take a replay at the Etihad to see them through. In the first match it finished all equal at 2-2 but the Blues won the replay 4-2 at home. They would need another replay in the Fourth Round after being held 1-1 at League One Notts County.
Another fine showing at the Etihad saw City through safely to Round Five – as they crushed their visitors from Nottingham 5-0. Balotelli played his part in the big win but did not manage to get on the scoresheet. It was February 21, and Mario was starting his first game of the year after being sidelined with a knee injury. He was replaced by Tevez just after the hour after suffering an accidental clash of heads – and did not appear at all happy that he was subbed.
Before the game, the Sun had trumpeted his return – and explained how Mancini was desperate for him to play after an unhappy spell for Dzeko, ‘Mario Balotelli could be unleashed on FA Cup minnows Notts County on Sunday after battling back from injury.
‘The Italian striker, 21, played 15 minutes in Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at Aris [in the Europa League last-32 tie] in a first taste of action since December. City hope Super Mario’s recent trip to the United States for rehab has sorted out the knee problems which have plagued him since his £22million switch from Inter Milan in August. City coach David Platt said: “Mario’s done ever so well and that is why he was on the bench. By the time the weekend comes he will have another week of training under his belt. He’ll be available for selection.” Boss Roberto Mancini is keen to have Balotelli back after criticising the display of £27m new-boy Edin Dzeko.’
In the fifth round, Balotelli and City were drawn at home for the first time in that season’s FA Cup – against Aston Villa.
Villa manager Gerard Houllier rested several senior players, saying he believed Premier League results were more important. But Mancini – who now was increasingly started to believe City could win the FA Cup – fielded a strong line-up. The boss’s decision paid dividends as the Blues ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at the Etihad. And Balotelli weighed in with his first FA Cup goal for the club. His goal was sandwiched in between Yaya Toure’s opener and David Silva’s effort.
The Sun led the way in praising Balotelli for his show – but also pointing out that the dark side to the boy always loomed beneath the surface, ‘Roberto Mancini demanded Mario Balotelli stepped up to the plate. Last night, he did so in spectacular fashion to leave Manchester City a match away from Wembley. Mancini had questioned the striker’s work rate ahead of the FA Cup tie and told him he needed to do more.
‘And this was more like it as the wonderfully-talented 20-year-old lead the line, with the skill in evidence for City’s second goal in no doubt. His half volley from Yaya Toure’s superb through ball was a thing of beauty and his 10th goal of the season. City boss Mancini said: “He played well and it was a wonderful goal.”
‘But as ever with Balotelli, controversy and confusion always seem to follow him around. The confusion was on the face of Toure, who was asked by Balotelli in the first half to give up his gloves because he was feeling a bit chilly. The controversy was on 58 minutes when he lead with his elbow and caught Chris Herd in the face as they jostled for a high ball.
‘It was a challenge that enraged the Villa players and some on the bench.
‘Luckily for the Italian, Mark Clattenburg was refereeing and he does not seem to think such offences are a problem. Although unlike Wayne Rooney’s elbow at Wigan on Saturday, the ref did at least show a yellow card. Two minutes after that incident Balotelli was hauled off by Mancini to save him from Villa retribution. But despite all the hullabaloo that ended his contribution, he had fully played his part in a dominant City performance in this fifth-round clash.’
And the Telegraph’s Mark Ogden also paid tribute to Balotelli’s talent, saying the boy had ‘the grace of a panther’, ‘…City had one foot in the quarter-finals by half-time following Balotelli’s strike on 25 minutes. The enigmatic Italian forward has endured an injury-hit campaign at Eastlands, but he possesses a prodigious ability to find the back of the net and his finish from Toure’s clipped pass emphasised his talent.
‘With the grace of a panther, Balotelli escaped three Villa defenders before beating Brad Friedel with a first-time shot from 20 yards. Balotelli, sporting a white stripe haircut which suggested he was auditioning for a role in Gremlins, has now scored 10 goals in 16 games for City – and collected nine bookings – yet Mancini continues to call for more from the 20-year-old.
‘The disciplinary demons that have also tormented Balotelli this season resurfaced, however, when he was booked by referee Mark Clattenburg after catching full-back Chris Herd in the face with his arm on 57 minutes. Having missed Wayne Rooney’s elbow on James McCarthy at Wigan on Saturday, Clattenburg was clearly in zero-tolerance mode for this game, but while Balotelli’s flailing arm was clumsy, it was more PG than X-rated in comparison to the Rooney incident.’
The excellent City website, bluedays.co.uk, commented on how Balotelli could be brilliant at times – and how his goal was one of the best of the season, ‘After the morale sapping draw against Fulham it was just the start City needed. With a side set up to be patient, City could then do just that. Villa didn’t change their game plan and continued to sit deep, hoping to catch us on the counter. Mancini wasn’t falling for that, and as a result we spent much of the time knocking the ball around in our own half.
‘Overall it wasn’t a great spectacle, though that was forgotten when Villa pushed sufficiently forward for Yaya to hit a beautifully weighted pass over the top. Balotelli timed his run across and behind the Villa defence so finely that he was able to ease up as he approached the ball. The subsequent half-volley was as good a strike as we’ve seen all season.
‘That’s the second great finish in as many games from the Italian 20-year-old, and we’re now starting to see why he has the “Super Mario” moniker. The rest of his game still left plenty of room for improvement, but the biggest concern was another spell of limping after a knock on his knee.’
Meanwhile, Mancini declared himself delighted with Balotelli’s contribution – especially, as he conceded, it could have been a tough night for the striker playing up front alone, ‘I took a risk to play only Mario up front. But Mario played well and scored a fantastic goal. I was very pleased with the overall performance. This game was very important for us.’
Indeed it was – and a home draw in the sixth round would also help keep spirits high. City were duly drawn out of the hat with Reading at the Etihad and would now power to the semis at Wembley with another strong performance – this time against the only non-Premier League outfit still in the competition. Reading proved solid and stubborn but the Blues eventually broke them down thanks to a late winner from Micah Richards. The Blues had needed little motivation to beat the Royals – as the winners would play in the semi-finals… against Manchester United.
Balotelli had not been included in the starting line-up after suffering an allergic reaction in the previous match at Dinamo Kiev that had led to him being sick on the pitch. He appeared as a sub for Patrick Vieira on 70 minutes – and four minutes later Richards was in the right place at the right time to send City to Wembley and that showdown with neighbours United.
The Telegraph’s Henry Winter brilliantly summed up what the win – and the clash with United – now meant to City and their wonderful army of loyal fans, ‘Blue Moon rising, Red Devils waiting. Manchester City have booked themselves an FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United with this occasionally edgy victory over Reading. Micah Richards’s header eventually pointed them to Wembley, triggering huge celebrations here.
‘The outpouring of emotion at the final whistle reflected how long City have been waiting. They have not been in an FA Cup semi-final since 1981. They have not met United in the last four since the General Strike was on, Agatha Christie was vanishing and John Logie Baird was demonstrating the flickering wizardry of his magic box.
‘That 1926 semi saw City prevail 3-0 over United at Bramall Lane before losing the final to Bolton Wanderers, who have been drawn against Stoke City in the other semi. The weight of history hangs heavily on City. Their search for a first trophy since 1976 is mocked by United fans, such serial winners under Sir Alex Ferguson. “Thirty-six years but we’re still here,” chanted the City fans defiantly on Sunday. No wonder they erupted in celebration when Lee Probert drew this game to a close. They chanted Roberto Mancini’s name. They threw around plastic blue dolphins, a paddling pool, inflatable bananas and countless beach-balls. They did the Poznan celebration, jumping up and down with their backs to the pitch, arms draped across each other’s shoulders like they were auditioning for the Folies Bergère.’
City’s official website also stressed how significant the win was, ‘City’s expectant fans had to wait 75 minutes before they could go bananas, and it was their long-time favourite Micah Richards who unlocked Reading’s defence where City’s front line had faltered. For all the Blues’ expensive firepower mounted against their Championship challengers, it was a towering header from Richards at a David Silva corner that finally booked a Wembley showdown with Manchester United. Richards, who also joined in that Notts goalfest a month earlier, was waiting to make his mark and keep City on the glory trail. The dream of an FA Cup victory, in the year of 1969 hero Neil Young’s passing, lives on.’
Now the build-up would begin in earnest for that semi-final against United as City aimed to make it an FA Cup semi-final record of nine victories out of 11 as they strove to reach the FA Cup Final for the first time since 1981. The Sun’s Neil Custis set the scene for the clash at the home of English football, saying, ‘There are derbies and there are derbies. Then there is Manchester City versus Manchester United at Wembley for a place in the FA Cup final. Ooooh goodness this is a big one. Since City became the richest club in world football an already fierce rivalry has been cranked up. The “noisy neighbours” as Alex Ferguson labels those in the blue half have got under his skin. But invariably it has been Fergie coming out on top with late goals. The unforgettable 4-3 at Old Trafford last season, Paul Scholes’ late winner here. Then there was the most intense of Carling Cup semis, when City won the first leg 2-1, United came back to claim a place in the final with a 3-1 in the return. Only last month at Old Trafford Rooney scored one of the greatest derby goals with his overhead kick.
‘The last time these two rivals met in an FA Cup semi-final was 1926 when City won 3-0 only to then lose to, guess who, Bolton, who are in this season’s other semi. The last time City were at Wembley was 12 years ago. Then it was for a League One play-off final which they won in quite dramatic circumstances. This is for a place in an FA Cup final in the first-ever meeting between the two at the home of English football. City have not been in an FA Cup semi-final or final for 30 years. In 1981 they lost to Tottenham in a replay famous for Ricky Villa’s incredible winner. They have not put their hands on any silverware for 35 years – and United will be keen to keep it that way.’
Yes, it was a tie that had everything – and one that City, and Balotelli as he searched for his first silverware in the English game, were desperate to win. One match at Wembley that would leave them one match from a return to Wembley, in the final of the FA Cup.
On a great day for the blue side of Manchester, City would beat United 1-0 with a winning goal from Yaya Toure as Balotelli played his part with a stirring performance – and a celebration that would, typically, also hog the headlines! City proved superior on the day, and deserved their win, as the Press corps made clear. ITV also made the point that not only had City earned themselves a day of potential glory in the final – they had also ended United’s dreams of another treble, ‘Manchester City ended Manchester United’s treble bid by booking their first FA Cup final appearance since 1981 in a game that saw Paul Scholes sent off. Man of the match Yaya Toure was City’s second-half matchwinner, seizing on a catastrophic blunder by Michael Carrick before finishing smartly past Edwin van der Sar for the only goal of the game…It means there will be no repeat of 1999 for United, who must concentrate on their bid for glory in the Premier League and Champions League. City, watched by chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak, have the chance to “change history” as Mancini has demanded, and will return to Wembley on May 14 to face either Bolton or Stoke looking to collect their first trophy in 35 years.
‘Unfortunately, firebrand Mario Balotelli threatened to put a dampener on celebrations when he unwisely rejoiced in front of the United fans, triggering a shoving match with Anderson and an angry reaction from Rio Ferdinand – who also squared up to City coach David Platt.’
Afterwards Mancini said, ‘I am very happy for our supporters, because they deserve this. It is important to start winning trophies, and I stand by my claim that if we win the FA Cup this year we can try for the title next season. This could be a turning point for us, but it is important to remember there is another game to win. I think we can go on from this to win the FA Cup and secure a top-four finish.’
In stark contrast, Sir Alex Ferguson would not talk to the papers…City and their win had clearly got under his skin.
The Guardian was able to shed more light on the Balotelli incident, ‘Some United players were incensed after Mario Balotelli approached rival supporters while tugging at the City badge on his shirt; his team-mates had gathered towards the other end of the pitch. Anderson and Rio Ferdinand reacted furiously and attempted to shove the Italian striker away from the sidelines, prompting the City coach, David Platt, and manager, Roberto Mancini, to intervene. Ferdinand was further angered when Balotelli winked at him; the United defender then confronted Platt, asking him to “control his players”.’
Ferdinand would later use his Twitter account to comment on his and Mario’s actions, ‘If you score a goal and give a bit to opposing fans I kind of accept that, but at the final whistle go to your own fans and enjoy it, not opposing fans. If I offended anyone I apologise. Emotions were obviously running high.’
United winger Nani added about Balotelli, ‘He was showing his badge to our fans. Anderson just took him out from in front of our fans. Rio was very angry because it is not fair, it was very disrespectful to do that in front of the fans. We were not happy with that.’
But it wasn’t as bad as United were trying to make out – certainly the FA agreed with that analysis, refusing to take any action against Balotelli, or indeed Ferdinand.
Certainly the City fans themselves were delighted that the Italian had showed his allegiance to the shirt in front of United’s demoralised supporters. It elevated him even higher in their affections – here was a player after their own heart! ‘He showed he cared for the club by doing what he did,’ Eddie, one lifelong City fan told me. ‘It took some guts to go up to the United end and do that – or maybe was just that Mario IS actually as mad as people make out! Whatever, he consolidated his position as one of the City terrace idols by sticking one up at our bitterest rivals!’
City midfielder Patrick Vieira was quick to defend Balotelli, with whom he had played at Inter Milan. He said Mario was not being deliberately provocative or out to cause trouble, but that he was just thrilled with the win and wanted everyone to know, ‘That’s part of his personality, that’s Balotelli’s charm,’ the Frenchman said. ‘I don’t think it was a case of provocation, I just think he got carried away. There was more pressure on City’s shoulders than United’s. As a club and as a team, United are more used to controlling these types of games. For us, it was pure joy because the club has been waiting for this for so long. And with all the press expecting United to win easily, it was a big relief. There was some over-excitement, but I think United’s players got carried away as well.’
Months later Mario would finally open up about the bust-up with Ferdinand, saying, ‘I didn’t ever speak to him. But I don’t have anything against him. I just showed him the shirt of City. Obviously he got angry with me. But for me what happened on the pitch stayed on the pitch and now we are friends like before. Or we respect each other anyway. I’m going to give him the handshake before the game like I give to everyone. He’s a great player.’
After the match at Wembley, Nani would reveal how much the defeat to City had stunned United – and tried to play down the impact it could have on their season, ‘We are very disappointed but we are experienced enough to forget this game and think about the games coming up. The other trophies we are competing for are more important than this one. If we’d had to sacrifice one trophy from the three this would have been the one.
‘We would prefer to win the Champions League and the Premier League. But we must still recover quickly because we have Newcastle on Tuesday and have lots of games coming up after that. We must be ready for them. It’s very important we win the next game.’
Pablo Zabaleta was, naturally enough, upset and angry by Scholes’ high challenge on him with 20 minutes to go. The Argentine certainly felt it warranted a sending-off and said it could have been a lot worse given the England midfielder attacked him with his studs up. ‘It was as really bad tackle, very high, over the knee,’ said Zabaleta. ‘If it had been any lower my knee would probably be gone. I have pain in my quad, but it was a really bad challenge.’
From Mario and City’s point of view the defeat of United also meant that they had upset the Red Devils’ dream of ‘doing another Treble’ – even though eventually Barcelona would also kill off that fantasy in the Champions League final.
Midfield hardman Nigel de Jong said the win had been achieved because the City players were so determined to achieve it – to the extent that they had a ‘clear-the-air’ debate at half-time. The Dutchman said, ‘We all want to win and sometimes you come face to face with each other. It happened in the dressing room and it is just a small thing. But it keeps the fire alive. Everyone wants to win the main prizes and we showed a great spirit in the second half. The belief has always been there. Obviously we’ve had our ups and downs and that’s normal for a team that wants to progress. But in the second half we showed that belief. We came out of the dressing room and dominated United.
‘We also put a statement for the club. It’s a big step forwards for us. Everyone has been talking about City spending all this money and seeking out prizes, and now we’re only one game away from winning our first silverware. For me, the guys are hungry but you’ve got to start somewhere in feeding that hunger. We did that against United.
‘Now we must make a final push to take this club forward and make it happen. United have so many prizes but City is a big club as well. And now you have two clubs in Manchester dominating two of the competitions. History is a big part of this club but we are trying to change that history. But we just have to maintain our focus now. Our main goal this season was a top-four finish. This result will give us a big boost in confidence for the last six games of the season. We have to take a Champions League place because, otherwise, winning the FA Cup would all be for nothing. We can’t just have one. We have to go for both. We can enjoy having reached the FA Cup final, but we have to focus on finishing in the top four too because we have important games to play.’
And fellow midfielder Gareth Barry was also quick to point out that the pressure was now on – but that is just what the team wanted. To win the FA Cup – and end that 35 years of hurt - Roberto Mancini’s side would have to beat a real dogs-of-war team in Stoke City at Wembley.
Barry predicted that winning one trophy would lead to many more. He said: ‘The final is going to be as tough or even tougher than beating United in the semi. The pressure will be more on us, so we’ve got to learn from the United game and take that into the final. It is a massive moment for the club to reach the final. It has been a long wait. So it is important now that we win it. The next game is going to be just as tough, with the pressure maybe more on us.
‘It is about winning that first trophy. It was mentioned at the beginning of the season.
‘If we can win that trophy, then maybe more will follow. The first one is always the most difficult one. There were a few great individual performances against United but it was the perfect team performance. We all stuck together, as you have to do to beat Manchester United. Hopefully that will show we are together as a group.’
At the time, Barry was under pressure from everyone’s least favourite villain, Joey Barton. The QPR player had claimed that Barry was only in the City and England teams because he was a ‘teacher’s pet’. But Barry, wisely, said he preferred to do his talking on the pitch, ‘You approach every game trying to do your best. I always do. If you get criticism, you get criticism. That’s the game. You try and respond to it. I always give 100 per cent. If it’s good enough, you get selected again. If it’s not…I don’t really want to speak about another professional, positive or negative.’
Belgian defender Vincent Kompany, who captained City to their victory over United at Wembley, was convinced that the win would now give the Blues the belief to compete regularly for top honours. He told The Times, ‘I believe when you win games like this it should give you belief for the rest of the season. There is no question about us competing. We are among the top five teams at the moment who are competing for a Champions League spot. I think we are respected but everything takes time. It’s logical that a team that has been winning so many years gets the benefit of having that extra respect, but we are learning and if we can win this FA Cup, which is not going to be easy at all, it will be the first step towards what we are trying to do.’
The 25-year-old also said he believed City were closing the gap on United, ‘There is still a gap between us and the team who are going to be champions but that gap is not in the games we play against each other. The difference is in how we compete with other teams. It’s been close in many derby games before this and it was going to happen for us sooner or later.’
Meanwhile, goal hero Yaya Toure wanted to pay tribute to his brother Kolo, who at the time was facing a suspension. Kolo would eventually be handed a six-month ban from all football for failing a drugs test.
And Yaya said after the win over United, ‘I am very sad for him at this moment in time. He is a professional player and he wants to play. People make mistakes sometimes. It is part of life. It is part of sport. Mentally, he is a strong guy. He is the most important person in my life. Every time I speak with him he helps me. I dedicate this win to him and the fans.’
Yaya also told how he was delighted for the fans who had supported him since his arrival from Barcelona. He said, ‘I am very happy. We have beaten our big rivals, which is fantastic and we are going to enjoy it. I am really happy for the fans. They have been waiting 35 years for a trophy. It is a long time. I think this is going to be the year for Manchester City. But it is not finished. We have to take a second step – we have to reach the Champions League and we are working towards that.’
City assistant boss Brian Kidd said that he felt the club were well on the road to achieving that second step – and beyond – because of the team spirit in the camp, which was similar to what he had experienced when he was assistant to Alex Ferguson at Man United in the 90s. ‘Manchester United won the FA Cup in 1990, then the Cup Winners’ Cup the following season,’ Kidd told Sky Sports. ‘They lost the league to Leeds the following year, which proved to be the prelude to what they are now. Recovering from that setback showed how much spirit there was at Old Trafford. I feel there is a lot of that with City.’
He also said he felt City’s surge was great for the city itself, ‘It is great for Manchester football. I was looking round just before kick-off. I saw one half of the stadium red, the other blue. For me personally, it was a wonderful moment. You can have wonderful nights playing against the best teams in Europe. That is what we are striving for.
‘But we can only enjoy this win for a couple of hours, then we must prove our mettle. After 35 years, now we have a chance to win a trophy. It is all a learning process for our players but when you do win something, it is intoxicating. You should just become hungrier for even more.’
The last words after the win over United that would lay the foundations for glory at the Etihad lay with the boss, Mancini, and rightly so given that he had masterminded the marvellous triumph. Speaking in his post-match press conference, Mancini joked when asked about Balotelli and whether he should be punished. He said, ‘Every time it’s Balotelli’s fault but I want to wait. I didn’t see what happened so it’s difficult to say. We can put him in jail? Next week we can put him in jail for this.’
He then turned to serious mode by affirming that he believed City had deserved their win. He said, ‘United played very well in the first 25 minutes. They had good chances to score. After that we deserved to win the game. It’s difficult to play against Manchester United. They are some team, not an easy team. They are used to playing this game every year. For us, it’s the first time after a long time.
‘Today we have only won the semi-final. I’m very happy for the supporters. They have never had a day like this afternoon but for us it’s important we forget. We still have to play another game. Probably the final will be harder than this. Today, for me, was important. I would like to win this cup for the club, the supporters and all the people who work at Manchester City. We beat United in an important game but I don’t want, “Ah, we beat United but it’s finished”.
‘I believe that for us it’s important to start to win the first trophies. If we win the FA Cup, next year we can win the [league] title.’
It was a bold, brave prediction – but these were bold, brave times at Manchester City. With the iron-discipline of Mancini and the flamboyance of his countryman Balotelli they now approached the future confidently. But first up was that all-important FA Cup final – and the chance to finally put to bed the haunting spectre of those 35 years without a major trophy.