"No one – not even I – would have bet a single penny on Man City winning," Guardiola said after the match at Wembley Stadium on the evening of 22/3. "Arsenal was on an impressive run, while we couldn't beat Nottingham Forest and West Ham in the Premier League. We also lost 1-5 to Real Madrid in the Champions League. Therefore, very few people, truly very few, believed we would win. But the players once again proved themselves."
The Spanish coach added that he "sensed" a feeling of pride from his players after the match. He told them they would see their true level when facing the strongest team.
 |
Guardiola celebrates victory after the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London on the evening of 22/3. *Photo: AFP* |
Contrary to pre-match expectations, Man City played better, especially in the second half, securing a 2-0 victory with Nico O'Reilly's two headers in the 60th and 64th minutes. This result brought Guardiola his 19th title in 10 seasons managing Man City.
Guardiola affirmed the recent match was an incredible victory. He conceded the League Cup is not as prestigious as the Champions League or the Premier League, but beating an opponent like Arsenal in the final made the title more convincing.
"They suffocated us in the first 15 minutes as usual, but then we started winning some second balls," Guardiola added. "Winning titles is always difficult, so it comes with joy and satisfaction."
Conversely, this defeat meant Arsenal missed out on their first title of the season and shattered their dream of a historic quadruple. However, Guardiola suggested this was not a bad outcome for Mikel Arteta's team. He predicted their opponents might now focus more on winning the Premier League. Currently, "The Gunners" are 9 points ahead with 7 rounds remaining in the season.
"I don't think this result will negatively impact Arsenal's Premier League title chances," Guardiola said. "That's a different competition, and they will be more focused when they come to the Etihad. The Premier League is in their hands. We still have a game in hand and a direct confrontation at the Etihad. Man City will try to win and see what happens."
Thanh Quy (via ESPN)
