Manchester City Gaffer Pep Guardiola 'Not Taking Cup Runs For Granted' After Securing EFL Finals Berth

Premier League side Manchester City advanced to the final of the EFL League Cup with a 3-1 victory in the second leg against Newcastle in the semifinals on Thursday.

Arsenal secured their place in the final with a 4-2 aggregate win over fellow Londoners Chelsea. Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the second leg in additional time, giving Arsenal a 1-0 win to follow up on their first leg triumph.

Guardiola, who was held to a 2-2 draw at Tottenham in the Premier League, and trail leaders Arsenal by 6 points in the English top-flight stated that he does not take the side’s deep cup runs for granted.

“I do not take it for granted,” Guardiola said.

“I know how difficult it is,” the Catalan tactician added.

“I don’t know how many semi-finals and finals we

have played in the FA Cup, but it’s really good,” the 55-year-old said.

“And in 10 years five League Cup finals so it’s really good: top, top, top.”

City, who entered the game with a 2-0 first leg advantage, achieved another victory thanks to a brace from Omar Marmoush and a goal from Tijjani Reijnders, rendering Anthony Elanga’s lone goal for Newcastle ineffective.

Guardiola lauded the impact Marmoush had on the game, calling him a special talent, highlighting his exceptional pace, momens off the ball and attitude.

“He gives us a special quality,” Guardiola said of the Egyptian forward.

“His pace, his moments in behind, and his work ethic,” he added.

City’s recent signing, Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, had to watch from the sidelines due to ineligibility. Manager Pep Guardiola revealed that the team will request permission for the English defender to play in the final against Arsenal at Wembley.

“Why should he not play? Why not?” Guardiola said at the presser after the side’s win.

“He’s our player, we pay his salary, we hired him,” he said of the former Crystal Palace skipper, who led them to a historic FA Cup triumph last season.

“We want to ask. I said to the club we have to ask definitely,” the Spaniard said.

“I don’t understand the reason why he cannot play in the final of the League Cup in March when he has been here a long time.”

“Of course we are going to ask because it’s pure logic. But to change the rule, no way. But we will try,” he concluded.