Pep Guardiola hailed the second half performance of his Manchester City side after they scored three unanswered goals against Arsenal on their way to lifting the Carabao Cup.
Sergio Aguero’s opening goal had put City into a half-time lead, but Guardiola was not happy with their performance in the opening 45 minutes.
“In the first half, I think we felt the pressure of playing in a final after what happened last season,” he said. “It’s not satisfying for the fans if we get to a final and not be who we are.
“We spoke about that at half time and in the second half we played really good football, and we saw who we have been so far this season.”
Success at Wembley saw Guardiola lift his first trophy since joining Manchester City, adding yet more silverware to the impressive haul he has won during his illustrious career to date.
“I’m so happy, but I am part of Manchester City,” he explained. “It is like other titles I have won before where I am part of the group.
“I am so happy for Manchester City because I cannot forget how they took care of me last season when it wasn’t so good in terms of results and titles.
“It’s special that Sergio [Aguero], Vincent [Kompany] and David [Silva] scored the three goals because they understand what it means to the club.
“They’ve won titles before, and they’ve put pressure on us to continue to win titles. If you win trophies then in the future people will know that here, you have to keep winning them.”
Guardiola was particularly impressed with the three goalscorers, who are three of City’s longest-serving players.
Club captain Kompany, whose season has been troubled by injury, earned the Alan Hardaker Trophy for his man-of-the-match performance against the Gunners.
“The first half was not so good, but in the second half, Vincent won the game, Sergio started amazingly, and David came back to who he normally is.
“Kompany had an outstanding performance today. It’s not easy to defend in front of [Pierre Emerick] Aubameyang; he is so fast, and his attacking runs in behind are so complicated.”