Guardiola says Man City must show 'spirit' to get back on top

London: Pep Guardiola has vowed Manchester City will be back to their best next season after losing their spirit during a turbulent campaign that ex...

London: Pep Guardiola has vowed Manchester City will be back to their best next season after losing their "spirit" during a turbulent campaign that exposed an unexpected lack of hunger in his side.

Currently third in the Premier League, City -- who had won the previous four English titles -- want to salvage a dismal year by winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the Champions League via a top five finish.

Guardiola's side face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday knowing defeat at Wembley would condemn them to finish without a major trophy for the first time since 2016-17.

But Guardiola is already thinking about how to avoid a repeat of City's stunning struggles and he believes he has found the solution.

The City boss noticed the passion his players celebrated with after Bernardo Silva put them ahead in a crucial 2-1 win against top-five rivals Aston Villa on Tuesday.