Pep Guardiola has never been one to take his foot off the gas, and ahead of Sunday's FA Cup final against Chelsea, the Manchester City boss has made it crystal clear: every cup game is "like life or death."

Speaking after City's commanding 3-0 Premier League win over Brentford—powered by goals from Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland, and Omar Marmoush—Guardiola gave fans a rare glimpse into the winning culture he has spent a decade building at the Etihad. And it's a mindset that's as relentless as it is inspiring.

"It's like life or death, it's nice," Guardiola said with a characteristic mix of intensity and passion. "I think I tried with my staff since 10 years ago to make this club, from the first game in pre-season: we have to try to win! It's not choosing competitions, games, work-ethic."

What makes Guardiola's approach truly remarkable is the level of detail and respect he brings to every fixture—regardless of the opponent. In fact, the Catalan manager revealed he actually prepares more intensely for cup ties against lower-league sides than he does for clashes with football's biggest clubs. It's a testament to a philosophy that leaves nothing to chance.

"When you arrive in the FA Cup or Carabao Cup against League One teams, I'll work harder!" Guardiola explained. "I think all of us, the chairman, CEO, sporting director, myself, players, inoculate in our bodies that we have to do our best every game! To respect our people, the job, all of us who are incredibly well paid, we have to do it."

This mentality has fueled City's pursuit of what would be a second domestic treble under Guardiola, with the FA Cup final at Wembley and three crucial Premier League fixtures still on the horizon—starting with a midweek clash against Crystal Palace. The Catalan described City's consistency across all competitions over the past decade as "truly extraordinary," and it's hard to argue.

"If you are out, you are out," Guardiola added matter-of-factly. "I'm a person who accepts more, when it's fair, defeats because it's part of the job, but we have to do our job."

For City fans, this isn't just about trophies—it's about a culture of total commitment that has turned the club into a powerhouse. Whether it's a cup final at Wembley or a midweek league game, the message from the touchline is always the same: give everything, respect the badge, and never, ever take a moment for granted.