Guardiola Didn't Hesitate To Praise West Ham As City Gets Eliminated Of The League Cup: Fantastic Team With An Extraordinary Manager

JAKARTA - Pep Guardiola vowed next year Manchester City will come back stronger after being knocked out of the English League Cup. The Citizens lost 3-5 on penalties to West Ham United in the fourth round at London's Olympic Stadium, Wednesday local time.

The defeat ruined City's chances to set a new record after winning the competition in the last four seasons.

"This extraordinary journey ended, but we finished it in a good way," Guardiola said after the match.

"We played very well, creating chances against a team that used deep defense.

"Unfortunately in the shootout, they were better. Congratulations to West Ham. Next year we will be back," he added.

Guardiola did not hesitate to praise West Ham who he said continued to show improvement in appearances in at least the last two seasons.

"Last season too, one of our toughest games at home, when the visitors were the better side, was against West Ham," he said.

"They performed for the Premier League and Europa League, now they have reached the quarter-finals. A fantastic team with an extraordinary manager," said Guardiola.

City's elimination from the League Cup more or less provides an opportunity for them to concentrate on competing in the Premier League and realizing the long dream of the owner's consortium, City Football Group, to lift the Champions League trophy.