Manchester City might not win the Premier League this season (still to be determined), but Pep Guardiola’s side ended its lengthy (22-month) trophy drought on Sunday by beating Arsenal 2-0 in the League Cup final.
MORE — League Cup final recap | Player ratings | Mikel Arteta reaction
Below is the latest Pep Guardiola reaction, speaking after what might have been his last cup final in charge of Man City, with ongoing speculation that he will step away this summer.
Pep Guardiola reaction — What did Man City boss say after beating Arsenal in League Cup final?
“What can I say? When you win a trophy is important. It was special because we had a tough two weeks. What they did in the Champions League is so difficult. In the first 15 minutes, they suffocated us, we could not breathe. After that, we won some second balls and started to play. I’m really pleased because Mikel created a team that is almost unbeatable. A fifth Carabao 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.”
MORE — Arsenal, Man City show title race remains open
“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. 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.”
“We are still not the team like Arsenal are, or like we were in the past. We always found a way to win titles.”
On the Premier League title race: “I would love to be nine points in front, to be honest. It’s in their hands. We need time, an incredible break. I am exhausted and after we see, step by step.”
Man City goal-scorer Nico O’Reilly, on a birthday weekend to remember
“Unbelievable feeling. To win a final, to beat this team, we know how good they are. We need to build on it, it will give us good momentum. Buzzing with today. Bit of disbelief seeing all the fans cheering like that when I scored those goals. Really a good feeling and a great birthday weekend.”
“My whole family came down [to Wembley] today. They are all in the stands and I know they will be buzzing. I can’t wait to celebrate with them.”
“Since I was a kid, I always played in midfield. I was always arriving in the box and scoring goals. To bring it in at senior level and the highest level, it’s good for me and adds goals to my game. A great feeling.”
Man City goalkeeper James Trafford, on taking his moment in a cup final
“This moment means a lot to me. Four or five years ago when they beat Spurs to win it, I think I was fourth or fifth choice, and I always imagined that I would win it one day. It’s an incredibly good season, because all my family and friends are here, and it’s a long way from northwest Cumbria.”
“It means a lot to have [Guardiola’s] faith, and it’s a testament to how I believed in myself, and how I acted in training, when I’ve been brought in for club games. Every time that I play, I just give it my best shot.”
On his lack of playing time this season, after returning to City in the summer: “No illusions, it hasn’t been easy at all. It’s been really tough at times, but I have a really good set of people around me. My teammates and my coaches have been brilliant. They have kept me going, and given me individual goals. It’s down to them.”
