(GSM) – Carlos Tevez claims to be relishing the opportunity to face his former club Manchester United in the semi-final of the League Cup and describes the two-legged play-off as “a clásico”.
The Argentina striker, who scored City’s opener in their 3-0 quarter-final victory over Arsenal last night, crossed the city divide during the summer after spending two seasons at Old Trafford. Tevez has struggled with injuries and to establish himself in an impressive squad at City but says he is relishing the challenge of another derby with a trip to Wembley at stake.
“The Manchester City fans want us to win and the important thing is we will be ready for them. It is a special game for me of course,” Tevez said.
Tevez has enjoyed some good moments in the League Cup and was part of the United side that won the trophy last season.
He helped them along the road in spectacular style last December, scoring four of his total of 15 United goals in the 5-3 quarter-final defeat of Blackburn.
Talking about his thunderous strike in the 3-0 victory against Arsenal to set up the derby showdown, Tevez said, “I always like to play regardless of the competition.”.
“It was good to get the goal as it gave me some confidence. It was important for me and the club. I am feeling good about what happened.”
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes, is relishing the prospect of a meeting with United in the last four. City will host United on January 6, with the return leg at Old Trafford on January 20.
“It’s a fantastic draw,†he said. “We are excited by it and the wider world as well, I think. We are going to enjoy it. Over two games we’d back ourselves against anyone and will try to get to a Wembley final that this club hasn’t for a long time.”
“There has been a little bit of negativity in recent weeks but I think that has been alleviated this evening. It has been a frustration for everyone but we’ve played 16 or 17 games and only been beaten in one. You can’t deny we are going in the right direction now,†concludes Mark.
