"The club spends a lot of money and then cannot use a player in the final. I cannot understand that", Guardiola stated after Manchester City's 3-1 victory over Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final second leg. "We signed Guehi, we pay his salary. Logically, it makes sense for him to play in the final."

Coach Pep Guardiola (right) instructs Marc Guehi during Manchester City's 2-0 win over Wolves in a Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England on 24/1. Photo: AP

From the 2025-2026 season, the English Football League (EFL) amended its regulations, allowing players to represent two different clubs in the same League Cup season.

During the winter transfer window, Manchester City acquired Antoine Semenyo and Guehi. However, they cannot utilize both players in the same way. Semenyo joined Manchester City before the semi-finals, making him eligible to play in both legs against Newcastle.

In contrast, Manchester City signed Guehi after their 2-0 first-leg win against Newcastle. Consequently, he was ineligible for the second leg and is also excluded from the squad for the final.

"Guehi could not play in the second leg because he was not part of the first leg. But why can he not play in the final?", Guardiola questioned.

The Spanish coach confirmed he asked Manchester City's management to submit a formal request to the EFL, seeking permission for the England international to play in the title-deciding match at Wembley on 22/6. However, he admitted the chances of success are very low.

"Change rules in this country? No chance", the 55-year-old coach expressed. "But we will still try."

Coach Pep Guardiola celebrates during Manchester City's 3-1 victory over Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final second leg at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, United Kingdom on the evening of 4/2. Photo: Man City

On the evening of 4/2 at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City dominated, leading Newcastle 3-0 in the first half with a brace from Omar Marmoush and a goal from Tijjani Reijnders. The Manchester club conceded to Anthony Elanga in the second half but still secured a 3-1 victory, advancing to the final with a 5-1 aggregate score.

"I am really pleased. It is not easy to reach the final; I know how difficult it is. In 10 years, we have reached the League Cup final 5 times. That is fantastic", Guardiola remarked, noting Manchester City's four previous wins in the competition in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.

The Spanish coach then praised Arsenal, Manchester City's opponent in the final. "They might be the best team in Europe or the world currently, considering their style of play and statistics. That will be a big challenge and a good experience for us", he stated.

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail, Mancity.com)