New Delhi: Pep Guardiola became the most successful manager in the English League Cup (Carabao Cup) history with his fifth title as Manchester City defeated Arsenal 2-0 in the final.
A brace from youngster Nico O’Reilly enabled City to win against the current English Premier League leaders at the Wembley Stadium for Guardiola’s 16th major trophy since 2016.
The Spaniard had began one of the most dominant periods by any manager in English football history with a defeat of Arsenal in the League Cup final.
And though he acknowledged that the competition lacks the prestige of EPL or Champions League, he celebrated the win with enthusiasm on Sunday after ending Arsenal’s hopes of a quadruple.
“It was special because we had a tough two weeks,” Guardiola said after his team’s victory, alluding to their dip in form that has left them nine points behind Arsenal in EPL and exit from the Champions League.
“I’m really pleased because Mikel created a team that is almost unbeatable. A fifth (League Cup) in 10 years is not bad. Every time you win a title it looks more difficult than in the past. It is really difficult for many reasons.”
“When you start to win and the generation is young you can continue that. I need to know them. I need to know how they behave in certain moments,” Guardiola said.
“Today in modern football everyone is so competitive and difficult. I think we learn for the future and hopefully next season we can do better.”
However, Guardiola praised Arsenal’s EPL form, and said he doubts whether a League Cup final defeat would derail them from the title.
“The Premier League is in their hands. I would love to be nine points in front to be honest,” he said.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the onus is on his players to overcome a painful and disappointing setback.
“What this team has done in the last eight months has been incredible and we’re going to use this disappointment and use this fire in the belly to have the most amazing two months that we have ever had together,” he said.