Guardiola says this City team can flourish

London – Pep Guardiola is convinced Manchester City are “just underneath” their peak and ready to blossom, with Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Arsenal the first opportunity to prove it.

Speaking on the eve of the Wembley showdown (16:30 UK), the City manager said the refreshed squad – bolstered by recent signings and academy graduates – is edging toward its best form.

“I have the feeling in many things we’re just underneath [our peak],” Guardiola told reporters. “We will flourish, I have the feeling that it’s close.”

City arrive in the capital chasing a first trophy of the campaign after a Champions League exit to Real Madrid. They sit second in the Premier League, remain in FA Cup quarter-final contention, and now face league-leaders Arsenal for domestic cup glory.

Guardiola believes competing on multiple fronts validates the squad’s quality. “Otherwise we wouldn’t be top eight in the Champions League, we would not be second in the Premier League, in the final of the Carabao Cup, the quarter-finals in the FA Cup,” he said. “In many aspects we are extraordinary.”

The Catalan stressed consistency over an 11-month stretch is the final step. “Always I know what we need exactly and in many things we just need a little bit more time,” he added.

City’s next major date is an FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool at the Etihad on 4 April, but first, Guardiola’s evolving side aim to secure silverware and momentum under the arch.