Pep Guardiola said Riyad Mahrez always lets him know he's "grumpy" when he doesn't play after the winger returned to the team to fire Manchester City into the FA Cup final.
Mahrez started in a much-changed Pep Guardiola team against Sheffield United at Wembley on Saturday and scored a hat trick in a 3-0 win.
- Stream on ESPN+: FA Cup, LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
The forward has had spells out of the City side this season and Guardiola revealed the 32-year-old is never shy about letting his manager know about his frustration on the bench.
"He is always grumpy with me when he doesn't play," Guardiola said. "He makes me notice how grumpy he feels. Today, no. He is an exceptional player on the big stage, the mentality to score a goal, composure for the penalty was important. It finished the first half at 1-0. The second and third were brilliant. It's really great to be in the final.
"Really good and I am so satisfied with Riyad because he loves to play football. He has given many things in these years and more in the future."
Mahrez's three goals keeps City on course for a treble as they continue to chase trophies in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
Manchester United are the only team to achieve the feat nearly a quarter of a century ago in 1999 and Guardiola joked that their rivals don't need to worry just yet that City will match it this season.
"They don't have to be scared, we are neighbours, neighbours are always nice to each other," he said. "I said yesterday we are far away. It is the fourth time in a row [in the FA Cup semifinal] against Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool and we could not do it.
"This game, coming from Munich three days ago, we had to try and perform well.
"All the guys that come from the bench and start were perfect. I'm happy for all the club after many years to be in the FA Cup final."