Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has delivered a pointed warning to Arsenal, insisting his side are determined to shatter their rivals' quadruple ambitions when the two teams meet in next month's Carabao Cup final.
City's Trophy Hunger Reignited
Following a disappointing campaign last season, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City are fiercely motivated to start winning silverware again. Their first opportunity arrives in a highly anticipated showdown with Arsenal at Wembley Stadium, a clash set to ignite the title race early.
City secured their place in the final with a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory over Newcastle United in the semi-finals. This sets the stage for a monumental battle against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, with both clubs still competing on all four fronts as the season reaches its climax.
A Personal and Collective Mission
For Reijnders, the final represents a chance to win his first trophy with Manchester City. "It would be nice for me, personally, to win my first trophy here at Manchester City, so it's amazing," he said. "It's another dream coming true. Of course when I was a kid and I saw the finals there I always dreamed of it, so now I will go there. I can't wait."
However, his focus extends beyond personal glory. He emphasised the squad's collective hunger, suggesting this cup could be the catalyst for a trophy-laden run until June. "It means a lot to get to the final. It's a step closer to the trophy and we are very hungry," Reijnders stated. "It can give us a lot of confidence and an extra boost if we win that one - and we are ready."
Learning from Treble-Winning Experience
The Dutch midfielder also highlighted the invaluable experience within the City dressing room, particularly from players who secured the historic Treble in 2023. He believes their guidance will be crucial for the newer members of the squad in handling the pressure of a major final.
"They (Treble winning players) will help us for sure, us new guys," Reijnders added. "They will tell us their experiences as well and that will help us of course." He admitted to drawing motivation from the images of past successes displayed at the club's training ground, a constant reminder of the standards required.
With the first piece of silverware of the season on the line, Reijnders' comments frame the upcoming final as more than just a cup match. It is a statement of intent from a Manchester City side desperate to reclaim their dominance and simultaneously derail Arsenal's own historic quest.
