Jérémy Doku has said that beating Arsenal in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final would be a “good cure” for Manchester City’s elimination from the Champions League by Real Madrid. Tuesday’s 2-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium knocked City out 5-1 on aggregate and Doku is focusing on defeating Arsenal at Wembley.
“It’s a good cure,” the winger said. “We’ll do everything to win that game and to win a trophy. There’s still a lot to play for. We’re in three competitions, three trophies to win. If we do that it’s still going to be a great season.
Of course we’re disappointed with the Champions League – it’s always a nice trophy to have. But there are some lessons to take out of these two games.”
City’s hopes of overturning the 3-0 deficit from last week’s opening leg were severely dented when Bernardo Silva was sent off for a goalline handball with the game goalless and Vinícius Júnior scored the penalty.
Doku revealed Pep Guardiola’s post-game dressing room message. “That we can be proud of our performance,” he said. “Playing against a big team like that, 10 against 11, and performing like we did, putting them into trouble. Not every team can do that.”
Doku made clear Silva was not being blamed by the team. “I know he takes it very personally,” he said. “But even after it, we stood there, we were in the game. He’s disappointed, but we’re all there for him. We know his contribution to the team is massive.”
After the final against Arsenal, City host Liverpool in the FA Cup, then travel to Chelsea and are at home to Arsenal in the league. City are nine points behind Arsenal with a match in hand. “The next four games are very important,” Doku said.
