The target was not the quadruple, insists Pep Guardiola after Man City crash out of League Cup

LONDON – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insisted that he had never considered winning the quadruple this season, after his side crashed out of the League Cup following a 1-0 third-round loss at Newcastle United on Wednesday.

Swedish striker Alexander Isak scored the only goal at St James’ Park in a clash between two much-changed sides.

Guardiola’s men won a historic treble of the English Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup last season, but any dream of surpassing that feat with an unprecedented quadruple has now ended.

Asked if he was disappointed about that, the City boss said: “You really think the target was to win the quadruple?

“No, honestly, it’s not. We competed really well (last season) and we are more than satisfied to win the treble. Our expectations are high, but not high enough to not be satisfied with that.

“We were brilliant in the first half, and of course for the way we played. I think Newcastle couldn’t accept (our first-half dominance), they then increased the rhythm and aggression and kicking, and they were there, more aggressive.

“At the end we could not win. Congratulations to Newcastle... and we have three more competitions to play in.”

Star striker Erling Haaland, who has eight goals in nine games this season, was left on the bench by Guardiola for the full 90 minutes and the Norwegian hotshot’s presence was missed in a toothless display.

His deputy Julian Alvarez had two good chances – including one shot denied by Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope’s outstretched foot – for City, who had 68 per cent of the possession but still fewer shots on target than the Magpies.

One positive that Guardiola took away was the performance of Norwegian midfielder Oscar Bobb on his first senior start. The 20-year-old was one of the team’s standout performers, drawing praise from his manager.

“Absolutely Oscar was more than brilliant, in all parts offence and defence,” the Spaniard said.

“He played as a No. 10, as a striker, as a winger... and we know in the pockets in the middle he moves really well.

“His intensity is good, he works without the ball. His ability in the first half was in the action with Julian but he was a little bit shy. He should have finished the action, but it’s normal at that age.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe also rang the changes from an 8-0 thrashing of Sheffield United at the weekend.

But it was not until he introduced Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes at half-time that the hosts took control.

Isak then had the simple task of slotting home at the far post after a burst from Joelinton opened up the City defence.

“A win like this can elevate us,” said a delighted Howe.

“First half we tried to rotate the squad and keep our players fresh. Second half we were better for sure, but when you bring on players like Anthony Gordon and Bruno, they’re high-level players.”

Besides the introduction of the two players, it was not clear what Howe said to his men in the dressing room, as they emerged looking like a different team from the first half.

“I don’t necessarily think it was anything that I said. I’m not going to give myself the credit for that,” said Howe.

“I’m going to give the players the credit for probably just feeling better about the team.”

It was the third year in a row that City, winners four times in a row from 2018 to 2021, had gone out of the competition early, while Newcastle’s reward is a fourth-round trip to Manchester United in a repeat of last season’s final.

“We want to try and go one further (and win the final) if we can but there is a long way to go at this stage. We are still there fighting,” added Howe. AFP, REUTERS