Pep Guardiola says performance not silverware remains the driving force for City ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Newcastle United. Club News Monday Marker: Your guide to City'...
Pep Guardiola says performance not silverware remains the driving force for City ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Newcastle United.
Monday Marker: Your guide to City's week ahead
After starting the 2024/25 campaign by claiming the Community Shield, the remainder of last season proved a frustrating one with the Blues eventually finishing third in the Premier League and losing out in the FA Cup final.
With a raft of signings having come into the squad over the past 12 months, a new-look City have made a big impression so far this term and will travel to Newcastle still in contention for three other trophies alongside the Carabao Cup.
But addressing the media ahead of Tuesday’s game, Pep – who has overseen the most successful period in the Club’s history guiding us to 18 major trophies - said he wasn’t preoccupied about ending that 18-month wait for more silverware.
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Instead, the boss said performance was the priority with City currently embarked on a ‘journey’.
“It is not about winning or not winning trophies, it is how the team grows up and plays,” Guardiola said.
“Last year we did not deserve to win more than one trophy.
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“We are here to make the team play better and get satisfaction for making a good performance.
“We want the team to play good and the next game do things a little better.
“That is the target and always that has been the target.
“After three days there is another game - it is a journey.
“That is how we live our profession.”
City boast a proud record in the League Cup.
We have lifted the famous trophy on eight occasions overall, with Guardiola guiding the Blues to four consecutive League Cup wins between 2018 and 2021.
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However, tomorrow’s game tasks City with taking on the current League Cup holders with Newcastle lifting the trophy last March to end a 70-year wait for a domestic silverware.
The Magpies also beat City 2-1 in the Premier League last November and addressing the media at Monday’s pre-match press conference, the boss said City were braced for the toughest of encounters.
For many years - since Eddie Howe took over – [Newcastle have been so tough].
“Look how many games they win in the last minute. The crowd push. It’s been like that a long time.
“But if we had played Arsenal or [in the semi-final] it would be the same difficulty.”
City v Newcastle Second leg tickets available!
See the conclusion of what promises to be a thrilling final four tie at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday 4 February.
Newcastle are the holders of the Carabao Cup and will be determined to hold on their crown, while City are seeking a ninth success in League Cup history.
Tickets start from £20 for adults and £10 for concessions, while a wide of hospitality packages are also on offer to make it a special occasion!
*Tickets on sale to Season Ticket Members and Official Members who have previously attended at least one fixture at the Etihad Stadium.
Category: General Sports
