Ilkay: Pep inspired us at half-time
PEP Guardiola’s half-time team talk helped inspire City to Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal.
That is according to City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
The German star played a pivotal part as the Blues eased past the Gunners with a convincing second-half display at Wembley on Sunday.
And speaking after the match, Gundogan praised Guardiola for his simple words of encouragement at the break.
“He just reminded us that even though it’s a final we have to play our type of football,” the German international said.
“In the first half we were not always able to play it. We just went out in the second half and tried it, and we were successful. That’s why we scored two more and won the game.”
Victory at Wembley was Gundogan’s first major honour at the club and the 27-year-old is keen to stay motivated ahead of more big matches.
“We were able to lift our first trophy. We enjoy the moment now, even though it’s still quite early in the season. It’s weird for me; I’m not used to playing a final in the middle of the season. I need to get used to that. There’s still plenty of games to play – huge games to play – and the first one is Thursday against the same opponent.
While City were a class apart from Arsenal at Wembley, Gundogan insists his side can’t afford any complacency when the sides meet in the league on Thursday.
“It’s kind of weird to play them twice in four days but I don’t think it makes it more difficult.
“We know how Arsenal are able to play, they have a strong team. It’s going to be challenging as it was today and we need to be ready. It’s in front of their crowd, it won’t be easy.”