PEP Guardiola says he is delighted with the first trophy of his reign as Manchester City manager, but insisted it is for everyone connected with the club.
The Catalan was pleased with the overall performance from his players, but says while the football was scrappy in the first half, the second was “outstanding” in their 3-0 demolition of Arsenal at the Wembley Stadium.
“It is important to win this trophy. Our supporters are so happy,” said Guardiola about their spectacular League Cup final win. “I’m happy for our fans, my staff, the players, for Sheikh Mansour and chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak.”
Asked why he stayed on the pitch for the trophy lift the boss said: “It’s nicer to see it from the pitch – you get to see everything much better.
“The first half was not good – too many mistakes with simple passes – but the second half we played with more courage, more personality. We were outstanding after the break.
“It was so important we won this after going out of the FA Cup. It’s a pity because we played 45 minutes against Wigan with 10 against 11 and we played good football, but unfortunately couldn’t go through.
“Now we have to focus on the Premier League and on trying to win the games we need to win the title, and try to progress to the Champions League quarterfinal.
“This win is not for me, it’s for Manchester City.”
Guardiola gave an update on Fernandinho after the midfielder limped off the field, revealing the Brazilian could be set for a spell on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has blasted Arsenal’s performance as an absolute disgrace.
Neville, on co-commentary for Sky Sports, blasted the performance of some Gunners shortly after conceding a third goal.“
"I mentioned the walking of Arsenal players, the retreating runs of (Aaron) Ramsey and (Granit) Xhaka, jogging, ambling back,” he said. “They’re an absolute disgrace, they’re walking on a football pitch at Wembley?.?.?. giving up. Spineless.”
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