Can winning the Carabao Cup help Manchester City win the Premier League?

Yes, Pep Guardiola believes lifting early silverware can instill confidence and motivate the team for a sustained title challenge.

What is Manchester City's current position in the Premier League?

As of January 13, 2026, Manchester City is six points behind leaders Arsenal with 17 games remaining in the season.

When is Manchester City's Carabao Cup semifinal match?

Manchester City faces Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semifinal first leg prior to the league restart.

Home / Sports / Guardiola: Carabao Cup win can fuel City's title charge

Guardiola: Carabao Cup win can fuel City's title charge

13 Jan

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Summary

Guardiola believes lifting the Carabao Cup can motivate Man City.
City trails Arsenal by six points with 17 games remaining.
A Carabao Cup semifinal first leg is scheduled before league restart.

Guardiola: Carabao Cup win can fuel City's title charge

Pep Guardiola believes that a Carabao Cup victory could serve as a significant motivational boost for Manchester City in their pursuit of the Premier League title. City currently sits six points behind league leaders Arsenal with 17 matches still to play in the current season.

Before the league resumes, Manchester City is set to compete in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal against Newcastle. Guardiola drew a parallel to 2018 when winning this trophy preceded his team's first English league title.

He articulated that winning early in the campaign fosters self-belief among players, reinforcing their capability to achieve success repeatedly. This repeated experience of winning, he noted, helps players understand their potential and drive for more victories throughout a demanding season.