Manchester City

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Manchester City midfielder Rodri has refused to rule out a possible move to Real Madrid in the future.

Rodri told Spanish radio station Onda Cero he would like to play in his native Spain again at some stage in his career.

The former Ballon d'Or winner played for Atletico Madrid before signing for City in 2019 and insisted that the Madrid rivalry would not prevent him signing for Real should the opportunity ever present itself.

The 29-year-old said: "There are more players who have taken that path. Not directly, but over time. You can't turn down the best clubs in the world."

Rodri is contracted to City until 2027 and although negotiations over a new deal are yet to take place, he expects there to be discussions soon, adding: "I have one year remaining on my contract. There will be a point when we will have to sit down and talk and have a dialogue."

Freddie Pye
Fan writer

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Pep Guardiola said after defeat by Real Madrid in both legs of the Champions League last-16 tie that Manchester City had a bright future with the players at the club's disposal.

For supporters, it felt like a difficult concept to grasp given the nature of the 5-1 aggregate loss.

But having now claimed the first major trophy since the big-money rebuild overseen by Hugo Viana, as well as the controlled and authoritative nature of the performance at Wembley against arguably Europe's best team at present, it feels as though there has suddenly been a real turning point in the development of this new Manchester City squad.

In 2018, the League Cup was the catalyst for Guardiola and City to achieve unprecedented success across various competitions, and the latest Wembley win has a similar smell to it. Are we on the verge of seeing another sky blue force conquer English football and the European game sooner than we perhaps might believe?

Glance through the starting line-up that truly dominated an Arsenal side supposedly at the peak of its powers - James Trafford, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico O'Reilly, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku to point out just a few. All names at the start of their top-level football development journeys and all hungry for the biggest successes, aiming to replicate achievements of City previous stars.

They are complemented by more experienced names guiding them through this phase of winning in Nathan Ake, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland, alongside others - such as Phil Foden, Gianluigi Donnarumma, John Stones and Mateo Kovacic - on Sunday's bench.

Viana and City's squad planners may have found the perfect balance between present-day experience and winning mentality, with a crop of potentially world-beating stars ready to have their hands held on their way to the very top stage of the game.

The Carabao Cup of 2026 is just the beginning of a truly special journey for Manchester City once again.

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Available now on BBC Sounds is an eight-part podcast series from BBC Radio 6 Music - The Rise And Fall Of Madchester.

Steve Lamacq and Alison Bell present the story of the Manchester music scene during the 1980s and 1990s - including the Hacienda specifically opening its doors to football casuals and wanting fans to be in the space, and New Order being asked to write England's 1990 World Cup anthem World In Motion.

There are contributions from, among others, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, New Order - all bands of Manchester United supporters - and Oasis, with the Gallagher brothers of course prominent Manchester City fans.

This year's 6 Music Festival is running from Wednesday to Saturday in Manchester.

Listen to all episodes on BBC Sounds

And listen to special Madchester playlist Indie Forever here

Manchester City and Manchester United want Newcastle's 25-year-old Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali, although the former AC Milan player would prefer a return to his homeland. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Could Pep Guardiola leave Manchester City this summer? Former City goalkeeper Shay Given believes there is a chance he might.

"I just get the feeling based on the last few months and because he looks - a bit like Jurgen Klopp did - tired and not himself," said Given on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, following City's Carabao Cup success the previous day.

"He's not as charismatic at times and it looks a bit of a chore from the outside. I'm only talking on what my eyes are telling me and I have a feeling that he might walk away in the summer.

"Of course, they can still win a couple more trophies but at least he's got one trophy and he's not going to go off without one [if he does depart at the end of the season]. Maybe it was a relief from that side of things as well.

"I don't want to be right but it's just the feeling I get. He's rebuilt this team so maybe he's going to pass on the baton to the next guy."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

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Former England captain Wayne Rooney, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show about Nico O'Reilly's two goals in Manchester City's Carabao Cup final win: "I know what it's like to score two goals in that final and that was an amazing feeling, so I know what he'll be feeling. Obviously I didn't do it from left-back so it was a little bit different!

"But they were two very good goals, anticipating the first one and then sneaking in, arriving late into the penalty box. I think that's probably the midfielder in him, where he's managed to arrive at the right time, and then a great second header.

"What a day for him and his family."

On where O'Reilly could potentially fit into the England team: "He's a good player to have. He's better than saying 'he's an option to play at left-back' and 'an option to play in midfield'. He's an option to start games for England - he's proven that.

"He's making that left-back spot his own. I still prefer him in midfield and think he's a better player in midfield.

"It just shows the quality he's got and the football brain he's got to be able to play in different positions. Not many players can do that, but for him to be able to do that in a Pep Guardiola team, where there's lots of rotation, shows the quality he's got."

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

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We asked if you think Manchester City's victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final could have an impact on the Premier League title race.

Here are some of your comments:

Philip: This result could impact who wins the title. It will be a big game when City play Arsenal and if City win, I think they will win the title as the Gunners will freak out again.

Youssef: Hopefully this win can spur us on in other competitions. The Premier League is still on - we're only three points behind them if we win our game in hand and beat them at the Etihad.

Johnny: This defeat will have absolutely no effect on Arsenal's title charge. The Premier League trophy is already theirs.

Mark: Arsenal were poor and looked nervy - not a good look for the remainder of the league fixtures!

Timothy: This trophy win will definitely give us the confidence to mount a comeback against Arsenal and win the league title, as well as the FA Cup. It shows how committed the squad is to get there.

Gene: City have been in this situation before, albeit we have many new faces still getting to know each other. Arsenal have also been in this situation and will carry the monkey on their back until proven otherwise. A win such as this may sow doubts with Arsenal and give a sense of confidence and desire to the City squad. We will soon find out the answer.

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Can Manchester City's victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final give them more of a chance of winning the Premier League?

Rodri seems to think so.

When the City midfielder was asked this very question after the match, he said the victory could have "a lot" of impact on the outcome of the title race.

"I told you it's a game not only for this title but to show that we can beat them," the Spain international added. "We knew it was a very important game not only because of the cup but also because we had to face the best team in the league.

"It's clear we didn't want to go out of the Champions League but we went out and now we have to take the positives - we have more time to prepare for the games.

"There's still a lot to do but that's something to take into account - but we also have to celebrate this.

"Now we need to rest, go back for the next round of internationals and come back with the optimism that we still have two more competitions to fight for."

Meanwhile, goalkeeper James Trafford has said the Wembley victory gives the team "momentum" as they try to hunt down the Gunners.

"With the international break, let's see what happens," he said.

"We are hungry professionals, we just want to keep winning and winning.

"We already have a lot of belief, but this gives us more, and gives us momentum."

Hit play below to hear more from Trafford or listen on BBC Sounds here

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Former Arsenal and Manchester City forward Paul Dickov feels there was "only one team who wanted to play football" in the Carabao Cup final.

Despite Arsenal leading the way in the Premier League and City's inconsistent form, it was the Manchester side who took charge in the final at Wembley to secure the first piece of silverware of the 2025-26 season.

"It felt like Manchester City put a marker down for Arsenal on Sunday," he told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"You have to give Arsenal credit because they have been fantastic all season, but they have not been playing well over recent weeks but have still been finding a way to win.

"Sometimes when you come up against a team like Manchester City who can beat anybody on any given day, you need to go out there and try to win the game.

"It felt like in the second half they didn't want to try to win the game. There was only one team who wanted to play football, one team who wanted to attack and win the game and that was Manchester City."

Ex-Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd agreed, adding: "To me, it looked like Manchester City came out on the front-foot to win the game, whereas Arsenal it seemed like they went out there but were a bit cagey to begin with.

"Then they didn't know how to get out of that funk, whereas Manchester City just completely dominated in that second half.

"Mikel Arteta should have made substitutions at half-time. As much as I love Bukayo Saka, he was non-existent on Sunday. Yes, he was wearing the captain's armband, but if it is not working then you have to make those substitutions early. It felt like Arteta was reactive rather than proactive that is why I was disappointed with him."

Listen to the full discussion from 01:53:00 on BBC Sounds

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Nico O'Reilly's match-winning performance in the Carabao Cup final was a "testament" to those at the club who have kept him "level-headed", says former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd.

The left-back, who only turned 21 on Saturday, was the Wembley hero on Sunday after scoring Manchester City's two goals against Arsenal that secured them a fifth League Cup under Pep Guardiola.

It was a dream day for versatile O'Reilly - a first major trophy with the club having graduated from the City academy and only made a senior debut last season as the side struggled with injuries.

"He seems like a really level-headed boy. He plays with maturity," Bothroyd told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"The fact he has played in a few positions as he has been coming up through the Manchester City academy has really helped his game. He said in an interview that, as a midfielder, he was always encouraged to get into the box, and that is exactly what happened on Sunday. He arrived in the box and got his two goals.

"It is a testament to Pep Guardiola, the experienced players around him and the coaches who have all kept him level-headed.

"He is a top, top player and he should be starting for England as left-back."

Listen to the full discussion from 01:52:00 on BBC Sounds

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast about Manchester City's victory in the Carabao Cup final: "You're talking about a manager [Pep Guardiola] who has won the Premier League six out of nine or 10 years. You can never write off Manchester City.

"In the past few weeks, Guardiola has been so animated on the sidelines. He didn't win any trophies last season so the pressure was on this season.

"For him to get this one over the line early doors is a good position to be in for City, because the pressure is on Arsenal [to win the Premier League] and chasing Arsenal now is probably easier for City. They'll be hunting them until the final whistle. That [Premier League] game in four weeks is going to be huge.

"They were missing Marc Guehi [in the final] and I thought they would have an issue at the back, but they were solid. James Trafford coming in was a bit of a talking point but he has done unbelievable."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, 31, favours a move to Barcelona when his contract runs out at the end of this season, but the Portugal international is concerned there are already enough young ball-playing midfielders in the Catalans' squad. (Sport - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Pep Guardiola was lost in the moment as he pumped his fists in delight towards Manchester City's jubilant supporters, the significance of the victory underlined by the crushing bearhugs he gave his players and backroom staff after the final whistle.

Arsenal, in contrast, were desolate as they missed the chance to win a first trophy since the FA Cup in 2020, the result of a timid performance lacking in attacking ambition until it was too late.

City and Guardiola's mission was not simply to win the Carabao Cup. It was to put on the sort of dominant performance that might sow seeds of doubt in Arsenal's minds as they hold a nine-point lead in the Premier League title race.

It was the ideal stage for both sides to make a statement. Manchester City made theirs. Arsenal fluffed every line.

Whether this result has wider ramifications remains to be seen.

Will it fuel City for a late rally in the league? Will the disappointment of this defeat derail Arsenal?

City must hope it has inflicted psychological damage on Arsenal. The Gunners must regroup and show the reserves of strength that have sustained their season.

So, will this win prove to be a catalyst for overhauling Arsenal in the Premier League? Do you think the disappointment of defeat could derail the Gunners' campaign? Or do you think this will have no effect?

Get in touch with your views here

Read more analysis from McNulty on the EFL Cup final here

Shamoon Hafez
Manchester City reporter

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Cometh the hour, cometh the man - with the '0161' phone code inked on his body, Nico O'Reilly came calling on the big stage when Manchester City needed a hero to step up.

His first finish was the easiest goal he is likely to score in his career, stooping close to the goalline to head in after Kepa Arrizabalaga fumbled the ball into his path.

The second just four minutes later was a brilliantly placed header from Matheus Nunes' cross, effectively sealing victory for a jubilant Pep Guardiola, who performed a jig of delight on the touchline.

O'Reilly took the adulation of the City fans after his goals and it will be a double celebration this weekend after turning 21 on Saturday.

The only players younger than O'Reilly to score twice in the final of this competition were 20-year-olds Wayne Rooney for Manchester United in 2006 and Liverpool's Ronnie Whelan back in 1982.

The Englishman took his goalscoring tally to eight for the season and said: "Bit of disbelief seeing all the fans cheering like that when I scored those goals. Really a good feeling and a great birthday weekend.

"My whole family came down today. They are all in the stand and I know they will be buzzing. I can't wait to celebrate with them," O'Reilly told Sky Sports.

This was O'Reilly's second match-winning double of the season as well, after scoring twice in the 2-1 Premier League win over Newcastle a month ago.

Former England defender Matthew Upson said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "O'Reilly is fast becoming one of the key members in this Manchester City side. He gets the goals, he gets the headlines. He is a player in top form.

"Physically, he is a machine. He's got height, he can run, he has got the strength and physicality."

Read more on O'Reilly's fairytale final here

Alex Howell
Football reporter

After re-signing for the club where he started his career for £30m in the summer, James Trafford expected to be the number one at Manchester City.

But since Gianluigi Donnarumma's arrival the England Under-21 international has had to make do with domestic cup appearances and a rare chance in the Champions League.

Trafford has said that this season "hasn't been easy at all" as he finds himself second choice.

But his performance during the win over Arsenal could be a pivotal moment in his career.

"They were obviously big saves because they happened quite early on in the game, but I can't really remember them because they were quite quick," Trafford said.

"I'm just happy to play my part in it, and then Nico [O'Reilly] scored two, which is brilliant from him."

"This moment means a lot to me. Four or five years ago when they [City] beat Spurs to win it, I think I was fourth or fifth choice, and I always imagined that I would win it one day."

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed before the game that Trafford would be starting, and Trafford says that it "means a lot" to have the backing from his manager.

"It's a testament to how I believed in myself, and how I acted in training, when I've been brought in for club games. Every time that I play I just give it my best shot," he added.

Read more on the differing success of the goalkeeping calls on Sunday

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's EFL Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City

Here are some of your comments:

Arsenal fans

Graham: Typical Mikel Arteta - conservative safe football. Too slow to make changes, especially when it was obvious City were threatening second half. Why wait until there's 20 minutes left and 2-0 down to make subs? Too many players below par and not one Arsenal player should take their wages - pathetic display. Massive week in April and if we fail to respond against Southampton and Sporting then Arteta needs to ask if he's the man for the job. He's had the money to buy but is he the innovator to inspire us to glory?

Jeff: Arteta's stupidity cost Arsenal the game. It's a final, play your best team - end of story. The instructions he gave at half-time simply had no effect. Arsenal edged the first half, could have been in front but were simply blown away by a team that wanted to win in the second half. Can they recover and finally win something this year? I hope so, but fear for the future with Arteta in charge.

Dyfi: We got what we deserved. It was the wrong team selection - when you get to any final you put out your best team and make a proper game of it. Poor tactics. To be honest, we've only just managed to beat poorer opposition since Christmas. Manchester City were too strong and too organised. There is still a gulf between them and us when it comes to the crunch. We could have played all day and not had a shot.

JJ: Rubbish! Arteta's decision-making and tactics were dire. This is the worst Arsenal have been all season.

Les: Arteta has to be responsible for this result. Having picked his team and watched the first half, it was very clear where the changes had to be made, but he waited too long. Sorry to say it, but Bukayo Saka is not the attacking player he was, or the right player to be captain.

Man City fans

Malc: Great win and a great attacking team picked. Let's see where this leads in the league. Arsenal were poor, they hardly played, although their set-pieces took up a lot of the time!

Youssef: Really chuffed with the lads. It all started with James Trafford's triple save - then, in the second half, we were dominating. Everyone shone, especially our boy Nico O'Reilly. Absolutely buzzing. For Arsenal, bottle one out of four.

Andy: Magnificent second-half performance from the Blues. We were worthy winners. Let's hope we get back on track in the league. Come on, City!

Ian: A totally dominant second-half performance. City were outstanding!

Karl: Arsenal were the better team for 20 minutes. But we dominated, especially in the second half. We won a battle, they might win the war, but looking forward to next season as it's all coming together!

Manchester City cup final hero Nico O'Reilly believes his side can "build" on their Wembley win as they try to chase down Arsenal in the Premier League.

O'Reilly, 21, scored two goals in four minutes as City dominated the Gunners on Sunday, winning Pep Guardiola and his side their first piece of silverware since the 2023-24 campaign.

City sit nine points behind the Gunners in the Premier League but have a game in hand, and O'Reilly believes that this victory can help them reel in Mikel Arteta's men.

"It's a blow for them [Arsenal], and we need to build on it and get some momentum from this game," O'Reilly told BBC Radio Manchester.

"As soon as the international break is over, we need to kick on and fight hard.

"We've got a game in hand in the Premier League, we've got to play them [Arsenal] at our place, and we're still in the FA Cup.

"We need to do everything we can to keep going."

Hit play above to hear more from O'Reilly, and also Phil Foden, or listen here on BBC Sounds

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports after their 2-0 win over Arsenal in the EFL Cup final: "What can I say? When you win a trophy is important. It was special because we had a tough two weeks. What they did in the Champions League is so difficult. In the first 15 minutes they suffocated us, we could not breathe. After that we won some second balls and started to play. I'm really pleased because Mikel created a team that is almost unbeatable. A fifth Carabao Cup in 10 years is not bad. Every time you win a title it looks more difficult than in the past. it is really difficult for many reasons."

Is it harder to win more titles with the same team or to rebuild?: "When you start to win and the generation is young you can continue that. I need to know them. I need to know how they behave in certain moments. Today in modern football everyone is so competitive and difficult. I think we learn for the future and hopefully next season we can do better."

On Nico O'Reilly: "Maybe he was the signing of the season. When we started the season we had a long conversation with him. He started to play at left-back and impressed a lot. He can play in many roles, he is a guy in the final third in a position he likes. He made two fantastic goals."

On if his team are closer to where he wants them: "We are still not the team like Arsenal are or like we were in the past. We always found a way to win titles."

On the Premier League title race: "I would love to be nine points in front to be honest. It's in their hands. We need time, an incredible break. I am exhausted and after we see step by step."

Hit play above to hear more from Guardiola or listen on BBC Sounds here