Guardiola’s blunt honesty: City didn’t deserve a trophy last season and the Carabao Cup is the stage for redemption
12 January 2026
City’s rough season and renewed resolve
Spanish coach Pep Guardiola acknowledged that Manchester City did not deserve to win any trophy last season, stressing that the squad must improve and focus on development rather than chasing silverware alone. He described the previous campaign as among the toughest he has faced in his tenure.
Semifinal challenge and future plans
The team now eyes the Carabao Cup semifinal first leg against Newcastle United, determined to bounce back and entertain the fans for a full 95 minutes. Guardiola emphasized that the goal is not to win trophies at all costs, but to raise the team’s level and deliver a performance the supporters can celebrate.
“In the last season we didn’t deserve to win any trophy because we didn’t play well; we are here to improve and make our fans enjoy the 95 minutes,” he said during the press conference ahead of the match.
He added: “In the upcoming game we will work to improve our performance; that is our constant goal, and during this process we will compete for titles and we can win them.”
When asked about Exeter City’s 10-1 victory in the FA Cup, Guardiola replied: “Respect for the opponent is the best way to win every game; we delivered a great performance, we forgot the match and we look forward to the next one.”
On City’s latest signing Antoine Semenyo, he commented: “He is a very nice person, and in some moments against Exeter he showed what he did at Bournemouth, and we hope he keeps that up here.”
Regarding the squad’s fitness, Guardiola noted: “We will assess after training; a few players have minor injuries and we will decide what to do this afternoon to avoid risking a return to injury.”
He also said: “Ryan Ait-Nouri is back from AFCON, but flight delays meant he arrived a little late.”
Guardiola closed by reiterating his wish that League Cup semifinals be played as a single match, recalling: “I said it ten years ago when we won the Carabao Cup; I would love the semifinal to be a one-off game.”
Punchline 1: If Guardiola’s playbook were a sniper, every shot would hit the target—just as long as the trophy decides to stand still for once. Bang, redemption, preferably with confetti.
Punchline 2: City’s plan is simple: aim for the goal, not at the bench when the whistle blows. If the net heard them roar, even the trophy would recycle.
