Guardiola is satisfied that he still has a chance to win three

HE was eliminated by Newcastle in the third round of the English League Cup and had no chance of winning the quadruple. Coach Pep Guardiola was still satisfied that Man City still had a chance to repeat last season's treble.

NewcastleMan City
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 02:00
English League Cup - Round 3
End
Newcastle
Newcastle
1 - 0
First half: 0-0
Man City
Man City
icon-ball
A. Isak (53')
Match details
"Do you think Man City's goal is to win the quadruple? To be honest, it's not," Guardiola said after the loss at St James' Park. "We played very well and were more than happy to win the treble last season. Our expectations were high, but not high enough to not be satisfied with that."

Guardiola directed in Man City's 0-1 loss to Newcastle at St James Park in the third round of the English League Cup on September 27.  Photo: mancity.com
Guardiola directed in Man City's 0-1 loss to Newcastle at St James' Park in the third round of the English League Cup on September 27. Photo: mancity.com

Man City won a historic treble last season, including the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League, and became the second English club in history to do so after neighbor Man Utd in 1999.

Man City surpassed Arsenal in the sprint stage to win the fifth Premier League title in the last six seasons and equaled Man Utd's record of three consecutive championships. In the FA Cup final, Man City defeated the same city club 2-1 thanks to a superb double from midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. In the end, Guardiola and his team defeated Inter Milan thanks to Rodri's only goal in the Champions League final.

This season, despite being eliminated early in the English League Cup, Man City still has the opportunity to defend the remaining three titles.

On the field of St. James' Park yesterday, Man City played better and created many opportunities in the first half, including two situations facing Julian Alvarez, but could not take advantage. The game turned around when Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon entered the field at the beginning of the second half. Just eight minutes after the break, Joelinton crossed the ball completely, completely eliminating the away team's defense, creating an opportunity for Alexander Isak to tap the ball into an empty net, scoring the only goal to send the "Magpies" forward.

According to Guardiola , Man City played well, especially in the first half. He believes that Newcastle must change, increase tempo, aggression and commit more errors in the second half, making it more difficult for Man City. "Man City performed well even in difficult times, but could not win," he expressed.

Guardiola did not use Erling Haaland and Kyle Walker because the duo had played continuously since the beginning of the season, and praised 20-year-old midfielder Oscar Bobb for his impressive debut in both attack and defense, playing with high intensity. The 52-year-old coach also congratulated Newcastle and considered the fact that Man City did not have any more injuries as good news.

Similarly, coach Eddie Howe said that the match was divided into two halves, with the first half belonging to Man City, while Newcastle excelled in most aspects in the second half and deserved to win. "There are a few tactical changes but the biggest change is in belief," the British coach emphasized. "Changed the team's momentum, better balance in the second half. When they had the ball, Newcastle seemed to become a completely different team."

Overcoming Man City, continuing to face another Manchester representative, Man Utd, at Old Trafford in round four.