Spanish coach Pep Guardiola of Manchester City downplayed the importance of talking about winning titles, emphasizing that his main focus is on the team's development and maturity. This came ahead of their away match against Newcastle United in the first leg of the English League Cup semi-final, scheduled for Tuesday evening.

Manchester City ended last season without winning any titles for the first time in eight years, following an inconsistent performance throughout the season.

During the press conference for the match, in response to a question about whether he feels extra pressure after finishing last season without any titles, Guardiola said: "It's not about winning titles or not; it's about the team's maturity and how it improves."

He added: "Last season, we didn't deserve to win more than one title because we didn't play well. Sometimes you can win a title without performing well, especially in the knockout stages when luck is on your side."

The City coach continued: "It's not about that, believe me. We are here to improve the team's performance, and our true satisfaction lies in delivering a good level for ourselves and our fans."

Guardiola emphasized that the primary goal is continuous improvement, explaining: "That is the goal, and it has always been so—to develop match after match. When you are part of this process and competing for titles, you can win them."

He concluded his statements by saying: "After winning the title, you receive great praise, then it diminishes the next day, and after a few days, it is forgotten and becomes just another title. It is a journey of development, and this is the right way to practice our profession."