Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Arsenal have an advantage going into the Carabao Cup final this Sunday, March 22. He claims that the Gunners’ trophy drought makes them hungrier than his players.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Guardiola insisted that Arsenal are the best team in Europe. He hailed their team spirit in defending together and working on all aspects of the game and said:
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“(Arsenal) control many things and many aspects of the game. The spirit for many years of not winning makes that boost and the solidarity in other aspects. They control when they defend deep, when they hide, build-up, long balls, second balls, so many good things. In the Champions League they won all their games in the group stage and just drew against Leverkusen, so it will be a big challenge to see our level.” (via ManCity website)
Guardiola went on to claim that the final is a big moment for his players, adding that it would be a big challenge. He said:
“We have got to Wembley 22 times in 10 years, it’s an honour and a big challenge. For the team, it’s a big moment. (When) we reach the final, no matter the competition, it’s always tough. We see the level in Europe, other leagues and any competition. To be there we have to see it as a big opportunity because we never know when it will happen again.” (via ManCity website)
The two sides drew 1-1 when they met in the Premier League earlier this season. Erling Haaland scored the opener inside the first 10 minutes, before Gabriel Martinelli equalized deep into stoppage time.
Manchester City star on facing Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final
Manchester City star Antoine Semenyo has admitted that the players struggled to reach the Carabao Cup final. He is looking forward to facing Arsenal as he looks for his first silverware at the club and said:
“Today, to reach a final – no matter the competition – is really tough. We see the level in Europe and here. It’s a big opportunity because you never know when it’s going to happen again.”
When quizzed if a win would give them the boost in the Premier League title chase, he added:
“I don’t know. Of course, winning helps. I’ve learned that when there’s so many (games and competitions) you have to have the ability to forget and move forward.” (via BBC)
Manchester City are nine points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table with a game in hand.
Edited by Sripad
