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      Arsenal left Eberechi Eze crying in his room for a whole week before becoming £60million Crystal Palace and England star

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      EBERECHI EZE almost didn’t make it as a footballer.By the time he was 20, the midfield maestro had become “used to the feeling” of being released.Eberechi Eze is preparing to face Man City in the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe likes of Arsenal, Fulham, Reading and Millwall brushed him aside.But now, at the age of 26, he is considered among the best English players in the Premier League.His journey hasn’t been straightforward – but his setbacks have clearly made him stronger.And he is now preparing for an FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe ‘not so nice part’ of GreenwichEze grew up in a ‘not so nice part’ of Greenwich in London and first established his love for the beautiful game in a football cage on his estate.Speaking to The Independent in 2020, he explained: “It wasn’t the easiest life and you don’t have as much as other kids around you.”The first place we’d go after school is to the cage. We’d stay there till our parents called us in, not eating, playing all day and night.”There wasn’t really anything else to do. But that’s where the love comes from. Most read in FA CupCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”You don’t realise it’s actually how you’re learning your trade.”His talent would eventually set him apart from many of his peers, resulting in Eze being scouted by Arsenal while at secondary school.Ebereche Eze wins £15,000 in celebrity online chess tournament – and celebrates more than his Wembley FA Cup goalArsenal heartacheEze’s time with the Gunners did not last long and he was released at just 13 years old.The setback left him devastated – so much so that he was close to tears the next time he played against Arsenal during his spell at Fulham.After unsuccessful trial spells with several EFL clubs, Eze was signed by QPRHe recalled to The Independent: “I remember crying in my room for a solid week, my mum telling me that it’s going to be OK but not being able to get over it.”Then I went to Fulham and I was finally starting to enjoy my football again.”We played Arsenal a few months later but, when I went over to shake the academy manager’s hand, I started welling up. All the feelings came back.”Following a series of unsuccessful spells at Fulham, Reading, Millwall, Sunderland, Bristol City and Swansea, Eze almost gave up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer and even prepared to take a part-time job at Tesco.However, his sheer determination helped him to secure a place at Queens Park Rangers.QPR breakthroughWhile studying at college, Eze enjoyed a successful trial with QPR and impressed the club’s technical director, Chris Ramsey.He officially signed in August 2016 and made his first-team debut five months later in an FA Cup match against Blackburn Rovers.The midfielder enjoyed four years at QPRCredit: Getty Images – GettyThat was his only senior appearance that campaign and he went on to join Wycombe Wanderers on loan the following season.There, he made 22 appearances and scored five goals before returning and featuring regularly for the Hoops.In 112 outings for QPR, Eze scored 20 goals and provided 12 assists.Then, his Premier League dream came true.Crystal Palace move & England debutIn August 2020, the midfielder completed a £17million move to Crystal Palace.He made his debut two weeks later against Southampton in the opening match of the Premier League season and scored his first goal – a free kick – a few months later.Eze has established himself as a fan favourite at Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old has scored 38 goals for Palace so farCredit: AlamyEze earned his first England call-up in 2023Credit: GettyEze quickly established himself as a fan-favourite and became one of the club’s most-important players.The 26-year-old has 38 Palace goals and 28 assists to his name from 164 appearances.He was also handed his first England cap in 2023 as a result of his impressive form.And now he is valued at around £60m, with some of England’s biggest clubs interested in a transfer.Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham have all expressed an interest.SunSport understands Crystal Palace are open to letting him leave this summer in order to fund a squad overhaul.Final countdownWith his future at the club up in the air, Eze will be eager to potentially end his time at Selhurst Park on a high by winning the FA Cup.The England international scored once to help Palace to a 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the semi-final last month.And he is set to start when the Eagles face Man City in the final at Wembley.Read More on The SunFrom the ‘not so nice part’ of Greenwich to Wembley, it’s been quite the journey for Eze so far…And the best is likely yet to come.Eze is now being linked with a huge transferCredit: Getty More

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      We’ve been to every FA Cup round – and now we’ve bagged Wembley final tickets thanks to The Sun

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      A FOOTIE-mad family have been to every round of this year’s FA Cup — and will be at today’s final thanks to The Sun. Phil Hart, 46, and sons Fin, ten, and Will, 13 — all Colchester United season ticket holders — began a journey topping 2,000 miles by watching lowly local team Cornard United beat Fakenham. Phil Hart and sons Fin, 10, and Will, 13, set off on a 2,000-mile FA Cup adventure from the first round to the final at Wembley – with a little help from The SunCredit: Paul EdwardsFin and Will pictured at the start of their cup run – with a tin-foil trophy – as Cornard United beat Fakenham Town 3-0Credit: FacebookThe 3rd round saw the family watching Stockport County beat Brackley Town 3-1Credit: FacebookVowing to support whichever team won, they took in Stowmarket, Bishop’s Stortford, Braintree, Brackley and Stockport. In the Third Round, Stockport lost to Crystal Palace, and the family saw them then beat Doncaster, Millwall, Fulham and Aston Villa to set up the Wembley showdown with Manchester City. After The Sun contacted the FA, teacher Phil secured three tickets for the big game. Phil said: “I’ve watched my boys fall in love with football all over again.” READ MORE FA CUP FINAL NEWSPhil, from Great Horkesley, near Colchester, said: “As Colchester United season ticket holders I knew my sons and I are unlikely to see our team win the FA Cup. “So this year we decided to create our own road to Wembley with just one rule – we had to pick a team at random and follow the winner, wherever that may be and whenever the game was – all the way to the final. “It was pure grassroots — dodgy refs, questionable chips, but brilliant football. We were hooked. At the semi-final, to see Crystal Palace beat Aston Villa 3-0 – still with the tin-foil trophy in handCredit: Phil Hart“We stood on terraces in the rain at Braintree, Googled where Brackley was, and queued for pies in Stockport. Most read in Football“We cheered for unknown heroes and mourned for clubs we’d only met that day. The passion was real, raw and more fun than anything on TV. Fin said: “It’s been really fun visiting new stadiums and getting to meet some famous players.” Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleyFAMILY’S ROAD TO WEMBLEYHere’s how Phil Hart, 46, and sons Fin, ten, and Will, 13 made their way to Wembley,Colchester to… 3 Aug Cornard 3 v 0 Fakenham 26 miles 1hr drive 17 Aug Stowmarket 1 v 5 Cornard 60 miles 1hr 30 mins drive 31 Aug Bishop’s Stortford 5 v 0 Cornard 75 miles 2hrs drive 14 Sept FA Cup 2nd qualifying round Hemel Hempstead 0 v 1 Bishop’s Stortford 150 miles 3hrs 28 Sept 3rd qualifying round Bishop’s Stortford 3 v 2 Hereford 75 miles 2hrs drive 12 Oct 4th qualifying round Braintree 1 v 0 Bishop’s Stortford 35 miles 1hr 2 Nov 1st round Brackley 0 v 0 Braintree (Brackley won 5-4 on pens) 240 miles 5hr 30 Nov 2nd round Stockport 3 v 1 Brackley 460 miles 8 hrs 12 Jan 3rd round Crystal Palace 1 v 0 Stockport 150 miles 4hrs 10 Feb 4th round Doncaster Rovers 0 v 2 Palace 344 miles 6hrs 45 1 March 5th round Palace 3 v 1 Millwall 140 miles 4hrs 29 March Quarter final Fulham 0 v 3 Palace 145 miles 4 hrs 26 April Semi-final Palace 3 v 0 Aston Villa 145 miles 3.5hrs 17 May Final Palace v Manchester City 145 miles 3.5hrs Total miles round trip 2,190 Total travel time 45 hrs 15 mins  More

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      How Crystal Palace can use Erling Haaland to their advantage to topple Man City in FA Cup final

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      ERLING HAALAND could be key to winning the FA Cup final… but not necessarily for Manchester City.Crystal Palace head to Wembley looking to win their first-ever trophy having reached the final in 1990 and 2016.Erling Haaland’s return may pose as much of an issue as it does a solution for Man CityCredit: PAEberechi Eze is unquestionably Crystal Palace’s star man – and Erling Haaland’s return could play into his handsCredit: PAOn both occasions they lost to Manchester United in nail-biting games.But they’ll be hoping to use their late-season form to snatch glory from another Manchester side, this time City, amid their worst-ever season under Pep Guardiola.The eight-time Premier League champions have been boosted by the return of fit-again Haaland.But could that be more of a problem than a solution for Guardiola?READ MORE SPORT STORIESSunSport’s Dean Scoggins runs through why Haaland’s comeback in the capital could be to the Eagles’ advantage.Will Man City be forced to change their shape for Haaland?Yes, they will.When you play with a false nine, whether that’s Phil Foden or Omar Marmoush or whoever, Pep plays in just a different way.What I expect to see is Haaland as the target man and City trying to create a triangle off him.Most read in FootballHaaland’s presence will be a boost for City, but could also play into Palace’s handsCredit: GettyGuehi and Lacroix will have a tough time up against Haaland, but if they do their job it could allow Eze to shineCredit: GettyWe’ve talked about this in previous shows, where you’ve got Marmoush one side and maybe Foden or De Bruyne in an area where they’ll go then beyond Haaland.This is actually where Palace might hope that City change their formation in order to suit Haaland.It will benefit them because their defenders are going to be a little bit more free.The right centre-back, maybe Maxence Lacroix and the left centre-back being Marc Guehi, they might be a bit more free off and on the ball if the midfield players do their job.So therefore, if City push their wingers on, those centre-backs can cover and the rest of the team get the freedom going the other way.WILD De Bruyne & Martinelli stats set to shape FA Cup final weekend | Experts’ bets – Weekend WagerEberechi Eze key for Crystal PalaceThat’s when they’ll be trying to free up Eze… and, It sounds ridiculous, but I think it might actually suit Palace if Haaland plays.Yes, he’s a goal threat, but in open play, it gives you that option to get the game forward.In the game at the Etihad earlier this season, Palace pushed their full-backs right up on Man City… if they do that in this game, they’re going to end up getting Eze in areas where he’s most dangerous.And if the ball goes in direct to him, he can cause a real problem going the other way.Oliver Glasner and Pep Guardiola have some huge tactical decisions to contend withCredit: AlamySo, what’s the verdict?It’s a difficult one because in one way, obviously you’ve got to defend against Haaland and he’s the best striker in the Premier League…But from a tactical perspective, if you can trust a centre-back to do a job on him 1v1, it actually gives you the option to overload going the other way.We’ve seen it in games against Liverpool where Virgil van Dijk has done it and Ibrahima Konate has done it – and we’ve seen it in a Manchester United game where Harry Maguire did it because he wants to play that combative way.Read More on The SunI’m not saying that Haaland’s not going to score and Man City aren’t going to be ridiculously dangerous.But if Palace get their transition right from defence into attack, they could end up getting Eze in the position they want him. More

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      Ex-Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew reveals how chess champion Eberechi Eze can checkmate Man City in FA Cup final

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      ALAN PARDEW says Eberechi Eze can spark a great knight by becoming a Crystal Palace king.The winger is a symbol of how the club from the mean streets of South London has been transformed.Former Palace boss Pardew believes Eze is the key to unlocking an FA Cup final victory for his former sideCredit: GettyEberechi Eze has performed on and off the pitch this season, winning football and chess matchesCredit: GettyEze, 26, is a chess champion and an England international.A deep-thinking member of a polished Palace squad that is a far cry from when Pardew played and managed there.Today is the third FA Cup final for a club yet to win a major trophy.Pardew played in the first, managed the Eagles for the second and reckons this is the best shot ever his beloved ex-team has of finally landing silverware.READ MORE CRYSTAL PALACE NEWSPardew, 63, told SunSport: “Palace is an ‘edgy’ club. Always on the edge, whether relegation or the cusp of winning something.“We get more street-type players like Wayne Rooney at our academy, who just love the ball at their feet. The area around the ground is ‘edgy’.“We get more of that type than we do structured midfield players or centre-halves or sensible right-backs. We get right-backs who just want to fly down the wing.“The current squad has now been internationally sourced and scouted.”Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSStar player Eze won Chess.com’s four-day PogChamps tournament this month — beating YouTuber Sapnap in the final.And Pardew said: “It’s brilliant Eze won that chess tournament.“He is actually a neighbour of mine.Eberechi Eze was rejected by SIX teams including Arsenal as fans say ‘absolute stinker in hindsight’“He is a humble guy, he was very respectful to me when we met. Such a lovely person and to have that talent is a blessing.“It’s nice to see him win a chess tournament — brilliant. And it doesn’t surprise me, because when he plays the game, everything he does is strategic.“He passes the ball when he should and he crosses the ball when he should.“And he shoots when he should and defends when he should. And he does that all of the time. He gets the mixture just right.“The 1990 team was Steve Coppell doing the best job he could with the least amount of money.“Non-league players like myself, Ian Wright, Andy Gray. Geoff Thomas came from Crewe, as did John Pemberton.“We were a band of brothers from all corners of the football world. With 12 years of Premier League money, they have invested much more wisely.“It has taken them up a level. I would go as far as saying this is the best team I’ve seen at Palace.“I remember Gareth Southgate, when he went to the 1990 Cup final as a young player. He was teased as he was the only one in the squad who had any O-levels.“But our centre-half Eric Young, did go on to pass his accountancy exams after retirement, so there was some room for intelligence.”Pardew wants a Palace win as a reward for the supporters.He said: “I hope they get this one over the line for the fans. They are brilliant. They’ll sing the whole game.“A lot of those people are in jobs where money is tight, so getting to this final would be a big expense.“But they’ll still go the extra mile to be there.”Read More on The SunALAN PARDEW now leads his own strategic football consultancy, channelling years of experience to support clubs at every level, from recruitment to coach mentoring. Find him at www.apardew-consultancy.com More

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      lan Pardew to SKIP Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final – because he doesn’t want to be asked about Wembley ‘dad dance’

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      ALAN PARDEW is skipping the FA Cup Final to spare his beloved Crystal Palace any more questions about his infamous Wembley dad dancing.Former Eagles boss Pardew cannot escape Mickey taking over his impromptu touchline jig in celebration of Jason Puncheon’s 78th-minute goal against Manchester United in the 2016 final.Alan Pardew guided Crystal Palace to the 2015/16 FA Cup finalCredit: ACTION IMAGESPardew’s dancing after Jason Puncheon’s opener went viralCredit: BBCSo he has declined an invitation from chairman Steve Parish to go to the game and will instead stay home and cheer on the team from his living room.Pardew, 63, said: “I told Steve that this team deserves so much credit. “The problem with 2016 is that the team didn’t get enough.“Every time it comes up in conversation, my dance comes up with it. READ MORE CRYSTAL PALACE NEWS”And I don’t want there to be even the slightest chance of that happening this time.“I don’t mind talking about it. It was just an off-the-cuff reaction to a goal. No shame. “But this Cup final should be about this Palace team.“I’ve told Steve that if they win, I will celebrate with him at the Wolves game next Tuesday instead. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAlan Pardew will celebrate with Palace chief Steve Parish if they pip City to the trophyCredit: AFP”But I’ll be watching from home for sure.”Palace gaffer Oliver Glasner is determined to make it third-time lucky for The Eagles at FA Cup finals with a shock win over City.WILD De Bruyne & Martinelli stats set to shape FA Cup final weekend | Experts’ bets – Weekend WagerThe Austrian said: “It feels like more than a normal game. There’s much more attention and much more interviews to do during the week.”But our preparation was more or less the same as in the Premier League games and before the semi-final or the quarter-final and all the other games.”We focused on what we want to do tomorrow at Wembley. We analysed Manchester City, but 90% of the time we were talking about us.”Because this is what we can influence, we can influence our performance, we can influence what we want to do in and out of possession and so the focus was on our game.”Also we just made one or two small adjustments, because the players especially did very well in the last couple of weeks and so we’re up with a lot of confidence and looking forward to the final.” More

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      Inside Jason Puncheon’s new life as manager in Cyprus nine years after ex-Crystal Palace ace, 38, netted in FA Cup final

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      JASON PUNCHEON could enjoy a double celebration this season.In his first season as a manager in Cyprus he led Akritas Chlorakas to promotion to the top tier.Jason Puncheon is forging his path as a manager in CyrpusCredit: INSTAGRAMPuncheon put Palace 1-0 up in the 2016 FA Cup finalCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAnd on Saturday his ‘team’ Crystal Palace will make their first FA Cup final appearance since he scored but Palace lost 2-1 against Manchester United in 2016.The 38-year-old has been based on the Mediterranean island for five years as a player and now manager, and is enjoying a contented but hard-working life 2,000 miles from his old home in  London.The former midfielder made a life-changing decision about his career while playing at Huddersfield in the Prem in 2019. But it was more or less made for him, following a remark by one of his daughters.He explained: “I was travelling up and down the country because my family were still living in London and I was in Yorkshire at Huddersfield for most of the week.READ MORE CRYSTAL PALACE NEWS“My second-youngest daughter provided a wake-up call one day when she said to me, ‘Daddy, why are you away all the time?’“It really struck a chord with me and I couldn’t get it out of my head as I was travelling back to Huddersfield.“I knew that whatever move I made next, it would have to be for the whole family, not just me.“When the idea of  joining Cypriot top-flight club Pafos came up in 2019, the idea of moving here to build a new life with my family  appealed to all of us. We are really happy.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPuncheon finished his playing career in CyrpusCredit: Pafos FCPuncheon was at Pafos for three seasons before switching to Anorthosis Famagusta two years ago.He said: “I was planning that I would have one last season playing for Famagusta. For several years my mind had always been geared into coaching when I retired and I dipped my toe in the water at Peyia, AEZ Zakakiou and Ayia Napa. It was a great learning curve.”How can Glasner make Palace compete v Man City in FA Cup final?However, he was appointed head coach at Akritas Chlorakas on November 20 last year — and within five months led them to promotion.He said: “Managing here is a huge challenge as it is a different culture to what I’ve been used to in England.“I am enjoying the success of promotion but I know the hard work has only just started.“Next season it’s going to be another level, but I’m ready for it.”Puncheon completed all his Uefa A and B badges alongside Djimi Traore, Juan Pablo Angel and Carlton Cole before moving to Cyprus.It is interesting to hear him speak about the future and whether  continued management success in Cyprus may see a return to England. He said: “I am not even thinking that far ahead at the moment.“The results have been great for me and the club since November and to be promoted is a big step. My entire focus is now on next season.”Puncheon played for Palace between 2013 and 2019Credit: Getty Images – GettyPuncheon revealed that he has always been football mad, explaining:  “My whole life I have always felt I’ve had a ball at my feet.”And he remembers his league debut for Wimbledon in March 2004 as though it was last week.He said: “I was a sub and came on at half-time at Walsall. We lost the game 1-0. The thing that sticks in my mind is I was playing against Paul Merson, who came on as a sub.“I switched to MK Dons but I was released by the club in 2006.“Joining Barnet in League Two was a breakthrough for me, where I started to play regularly.”Puncheon played for Barnet in his younger yearsCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe midfielder also turned out for MK DonsCredit: PA:Empics SportPuncheon had spells at Plymouth Argyle and further stints on loan at MK Dons but he reflects on joining Southampton in 2010 — where he believes his career went up several notches.He said: “All my previous clubs had given me a platform to play but, even though Southampton were in League One, the facilities and structure were that of a Premier League club.“During my early days  I had a loan spell at Blackpool where I played in the Prem for the first time but Saints were on another level.”Within three years, the Saints had back-to-back promotions and were back in the top tier for  2012-13.The Londoner made 32 Prem appearances for Saints that season as they finished in 14th.But in the  summer of 2013, he signed a one-year loan with Crystal Palace. He said: “Growing up Palace was my team, all my family were fans, so joining them felt special.”Puncheon joined Southampton in 2010Credit: Action Images – ReutersSix months later he made the loan permanent in a £1.75million deal.He talks proudly of wearing the skipper’s armband for Palace and of two of his standout goals among the 16 he netted for the Eagles in his six years at Selhurst Park.He revealed: “The winner against Norwich in April 2016 was huge in terms of making sure we stayed up that season. There is an iconic photo of us celebrating the goal.“Then there was scoring the opener in the FA Cup final  against Manchester United with less than 20 minutes remaining.Read More on The Sun“I wished it had been the winner. Sadly Juan Mata equalised and then Jesse Lingard scored the winner for them in extra-time.“I would be absolutely overjoyed if they went one better this season and won the Cup next month.”Puncheon will be supporting his old team in Saturday’s cup finalCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      ‘The crowd just gasped’ – Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton was so good Barcelona tried to sign him aged EIGHT

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      ADAM WHARTON has enjoyed a monumental rise since signing for Crystal Palace.The midfielder signed for the Eagles in January 2024 in a £22million transfer from Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers.Adam Wharton is set to appear in the FA Cup finalCredit: GettyHe came through the ranks at BlackburnCredit: https://www.facebook.com/1RoversHe once caught the attention of Barcelona scoutsCredit: https://www.facebook.com/1RoversHe was sold in 2024 to Palace for £22millionCredit: https://www.facebook.com/1RoversWharton, 21, is now prepping for the biggest game of his club career so far.He and Palace will take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.It won’t be his first final as he was in the England squad for the Euro 2024 final against Spain.And had things turned out differently, England’s opponents that day might have been far more familiar with the youngster.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDuring an appearance at a youth tournament, he was scouted by Barcelona coaches and offered a spot at their famous La Masia academy.Daniel Stubberfield, who coached Wharton for five years in his younger years, revealed that the midfielder could have had a very different career path.He told the Mail: “There was a trip to Holland where he was player of the tournament at Oldenzaal.”He scored a half-volley in a seven-v-seven game but it felt like it was a long way out, arrowed as an adult would hit it, rocketed straight in.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”He was outstanding against Barcelona when he was eight.”To the point where the Barca coaches actually said to his parents: ‘Look, if you ever come to Spain, call us, we’d love him’.”Incredible footage shows Adam Wharton dazzling defenders aged 10 before rising to Euro 2024 stardom with EnglandWharton came up against Jobe Bellingham in his youth daysCredit: RexHe first played at Wembley when he was tenCredit: https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodHe impressed in a video that went viralCredit: https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodHe was featuring in a school’s cup finalCredit: https://x.com/TalkOfEwoodWharton came up against the like of Jobe Bellingham in his academy days.The two were pictured duelling for the ball in a youth game between Blackburn and Birmingham City.Wharton has since earned one cap for England as he played 28 minutes at St James’ Park against Bosnia last year.He played a crucial role for Oliver Glasner’s side as they beat Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final in April at Wembley Stadium.However, that was not his first time playing at the home of football.When he was ten years old, he featured in a school’s cup final at the 90,000-seater stadium.Wharton represented Salesbury CoE Primary School in the National Primary Schools Final in 2015.Video showed his impressive skills that included a Maradona-spin, which left the crowd gasping.His former teacher, Stephen Bird, said: “There are around 10,000 people in the ground at that stage. The crowd just gasped.”They purred a bit when the replay came on the big screens.”Last month, SunSport exclusively revealed that Wharton was a £50m target for Liverpool.Read More on The SunThe Anfield transfer team believe that the midfielder’s passing ability could help the Reds tick.But before the transfer rumour mill goes into overdrive, Wharton will be looking to guide Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory this weekend.Adam Wharton has picked up a cap for EnglandCredit: GettyHe was vital in the FA Cup semi-final triumph over Aston VillaCredit: Alamy More

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      Erling Haaland demands Man City end ‘boring and not fun’ season with FA Cup glory

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      ERLING HAALAND says not even lifting the FA Cup can save  Manchester City’s “catastrophic” season.Pep Guardiola’s side are still batting for a Champions League place and will finish trophyless if they lose to Crystal Palace at Wembley tomorrow.Erling Haaland claims Man City have lacked ‘full hunger’Credit: Shutterstock EditorialEtihad chief Pep Guardiola is experiencing rare failureCredit: AlamyAnd striker Haaland said: “We have the Cup final to play for and in a horrific season we still managed to do this.“It is not nice to lose so many games. It is boring and not fun.“When you have won four league titles in a row, if you don’t win five, it’s not going to be a successful season.“You cannot win every year. The club has set the bar  so high that this is a catastrophic season — that  says it all.”READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSHaaland added: “Next time, we have to find something inside our  stomach again to attack the season.”City have fallen way short of their high standards this term and will finish miles behind champions Liverpool. They failed to make the  Champions League last-16 after getting knocked out by Real Madrid in the play-off round.Haaland is just back from a six-week injury lay-off, while several team-mates  also had long  spells on the sidelines.Most read in FA CupHaaland is back fully fit but has not enjoyed the season so farCredit: GettyBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut the Norwegian ace also feels City have lacked hunger after winning four Prem  titles in a row.Despite hitting the 30-goal mark for a third straight season, Haaland admits he has not done enough.Man City drop Jack Grealish transfer hint as they launch stunning new kit for Club World CupThe 24-year-old hotshot added: “You can find excuses. Injuries, many injuries at bad times, but we haven’t been performing well enough.“We haven’t fully had the hunger inside of us. I haven’t been good enough or helped the team enough.“We haven’t been there fighting in either the Premier League or the Champions League — and that’s not good enough for a club like City.“You should be there and you should compete.Kevin De Bruyne aims to bow out on another highCredit: Getty“We haven’t done that so now if we can finish strong in the Premier League and win the FA Cup that would be a really good thing. I’ll do everything I can to make it happen.”Haaland says they must do  everything they can to help outgoing club legend Kevin De Bruyne make sure he finishes on a high.The Belgian has been told there will be no new contract this summer — meaning his glittering ten-year spell at the Etihad is coming to an end.De Bruyne has won six Prem titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and five League Cups with the club.And Haaland said: “We would love for Kevin to finish with  one more trophy.Read More on The Sun“He has had an incredible time at Manchester City. It is ridiculous how many trophies he has won.“To get passes from him has been a dream. It’s been special playing with him.” More