Pep Guardiola admits Manchester City have “no chance” of derby glory towards Manchester United in the event that they repeat the dismal show which led to Carabao Cup elimination by the hands of struggling Southampton.
City failed to provide an try on course on Wednesday night at St Mary’s as they slipped to a shock 2-0 quarter-final exit.
The Premier League champions return to motion at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime and supervisor Guardiola is aware of a serious enchancment is required.
“Every game is different, different competition,” he stated, looking forward to the United recreation. “But of course, if we perform in this way, we will not have a chance.
“We know exactly what we have to do to play better, so that’s what we’re going to try to do.”
First-half targets from Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo condemned the eight-time League Cup winners to an surprising loss on the south coast.
City have been toothless in assault and never even the second-half introductions of substitutes Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland might spark a fightback.
Captain Ilkay Gundogan wasted the guests’ finest likelihood of a poor first-half efficiency which in the end proved deadly to the membership’s hopes of development.
The Germany midfielder believes the frustration can function “wake-up call at the right time” as City proceed to chase down league leaders Arsenal.
“There’s no room for any mistakes, or for any poor performances,” Gundogan informed his membership’s web site. “Hopefully, if there is something good we can take out of this game, it was something like a wake-up call at the right time.
“Even though it is sad and disappointing to be out of this cup, hopefully, at the end, in a few weeks we can at least look back and take something good out of this game.”
Southampton supervisor Nathan Jones celebrated the best results of his brief tenure.
The Welshman believes the victory, which arrange a two-legged semi-final with Newcastle, supplies optimism for the long run as he turns his consideration again to the top-flight relegation battle.
“City are one of the best sides in the world, with the most innovative manager of all time,” stated Jones, who has suffered 4 successive league defeats forward of Saturday’s go to to fellow strugglers Everton.
“We knew we had to be at our best but we showed from minute one to 96 and a half that we can be a very good Premier League side.
“I’m a born-again Christian so I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and he gives me faith every day. You’ve just got to believe in what you do.”
Asked about going through the Magpies subsequent, Jones stated: “In the semi-finals, it’s going to be tough, tough, tough; it won’t be any tougher than playing Man City. It’s a good feeling.”
