Pep Guardiola declared himself “more than pleased” after Manchester City claimed their place within the Carabao Cup fourth spherical with a 2-0 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday.
On an evening when Kalvin Phillips returned to motion to stake his declare for a World Cup place, City prevailed on the Etihad Stadium with second-half targets from Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez.
Manager Guardiola mentioned: “Knowing the opponent and the quality they have, I am more than pleased. I am happy for all the performance of the players.
“We suffered because they are so good. When they gain the ball and they drive 40 metres we cannot defend that, they are really good.
“It doesn’t matter what happened in their last results, they are a fantastic team and I am happy to be in the next round.”
Phillips performed 40 minutes in his first look since present process shoulder surgical procedure in September.
With England supervisor Gareth Southgate attributable to title his World Cup squad on Thursday, it was the midfielder’s ultimate alternative to show his health for the match in Qatar.
“It was an amazing feeling,” Phillips advised Sky Sports. “It’s been a long time but I’m just glad to get back out there and play with the lads.
“Without playing football for a while it is going to be nerve-wracking when you step onto the pitch, especially for one of my first appearances for the club. So, it felt good but it made it a lot easier with the two goals that went in.
“I’m back fit now so hopefully I’ve got a chance.”
Phillips, who joined City from Leeds in the summertime, had performed simply 14 minutes of soccer previous to his operation this season attributable to different health points.
Guardiola mentioned: “Kalvin made a good 40 minutes. He didn’t play for a long time but he played with incredible personality.
“Of course he has to get some things, that is normal, but in the second part of the season we need him because Rodri cannot do it all the time.”
Both of City’s targets got here in a five-minute spell early within the second half, giving them a management of the sport they didn’t relinquish.
Yet Chelsea precipitated the hosts issues at instances and, after defeats of their final two Premier League video games, supervisor Graham Potter was happy with the show.
He mentioned: “I thought there were quite a few positives. Obviously we are disappointed with the result but in terms of how we played, we created some good chances and there was a better structure and a better performance level.
“The team looked closer to what we want it to look like. The boys had great courage and they tried against a top team.
“Their keeper got the man of the match I think, which tells a bit of the story. But overall I think it was a step forward for us.”
Source: www.unbiased.co.uk