FA Cup has never lost its magic – Gareth Taylor

Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor believes the FA Cup is “still a special competition” as his side prepare to face Chelsea in the final on Sunday.

This weekend sees an FA Cup double-header at Wembley, with the men’s final between Chelsea and Liverpool taking place on Saturday.

Speaking in a press conference, Taylor hailed the magic of the cup and how much of a special occasion it still is.

He said: “I think the FA Cup is still a special competition for players, for coaches, for supporters.

“I think previously in both the male and female game that was probably more important a few years ago, now it’s shifted slightly with European competitions becoming more potentially lucrative.

“I think increasing the purse for all the teams that enter the FA Cup is massive in the women’s game now, but I think us coaches and people associated with the FA Cup – players, staff – it’s never lost its magic.

“I think it’s a great competition, it’s a competition I remember playing in as a player – having some success in, not so much in other times – being the underdog or being the favourite and what that brings, I think it’s a really special competition.”

Taylor’s side have been on a remarkable run of form recently, winning 21 of their last 23 games in all competitions including their last 13, which helped them secure a third-placed finish in the WSL.

Despite City’s sparkling form, Chelsea are also coming into the final in good nick and are aiming to win their second trophy in a week after being crowned WSL champions last Sunday.

Taylor said: “I think we’re going into the game in form, but you have to say Chelsea have been in decent form as well, they finished the season off well.

“I think sometimes it can have a relevance to the game