Pep Guardiola reveals damning comments from former Manchester City assistant on Carabao Cup

Former Manchester City assistant coach Brian Kidd admitted that ‘nobody cares’ about the Carabao Cup, according to current Etihad boss Pep Guardiola.

Liverpool claimed this season’s edition of the tournament courtesy of a late, extra-time, winning-goal from Virgil Van Dijk against Chelsea during the showpiece final at Wembley Stadium.

For Manchester City, those heights were cut short during their first round of the tournament this season, having fallen to defeat at the hands of Eddie Howe and Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

The setback in the north-east failed to have any knock-on effect on Pep Guardiola’s side however, as they continue to challenge on three fronts this season; the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FA Cup.

Speaking to the media this week during a press conference, manager Pep Guardiola revealed what his assistant coach Brian Kidd once told him about the credibility of the Carabao Cup or League Cup in England.

“Yesterday (Sunday), I saw an incredible final in the Carabao (Cup), congratulations to both teams (Liverpool and Chelsea), it was an incredible game, a transitional game, chances for both teams, incredible spirit,” admitted Pep Guardiola.

“I remember when I arrived (at Manchester City in 2016), Brian Kidd told me, ‘Ah Carabao Cup, don’t pay attention (to it), play the young players, nobody cares, Carabao Cup, eugh, Sir Alex Ferguson was always, eugh it doesn’t matter’.

The 53-year-old continued, “Phwoar, I don’t know what happened in the last years, it looks like the final of any competition. This is the truth. Today, everyone and every team plays for win, win, win, and win.”

Manchester City returned to cup duties on Tuesday night as they travelled to take on Rob Edwards’ Premier League newcomers Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

A staggering five-goal haul from Erling Haaland, as well as four assists from Kevin De Bruyne, made up a commanding 2-6 victory to send the cup holders into the quarter-final of the competition which will take place in March.