Pep Guardiola jokingly criticized Manchester City's ownership for insufficient transfer spending while highlighting the club's lower net expenditure compared to Premier League rivals. City added Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi in January, pushing their 12-month spending to $430 million.

The club has recouped hundreds of millions through sales, resulting in the seventh-highest net spend among Premier League teams over the past five years. Six clubs, including Carabao Cup semi-final opponent Newcastle, have exceeded City's net investment.

"I'm a little bit sad and upset because in net spend the last five years we are 7th in the Premier League," Guardiola said. "I want to be the first, I don't understand why the club don't spend more money. I am a little bit grumpy with them."

Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle and Liverpool have all outspent City in net terms over the five-year period. Guardiola has consistently challenged the perception that City's success stems primarily from financial investment.

"But like we won in the past because we spent a lot, now six teams have to win the Premier Leagues, Champions Leagues and FA Cups because they spend more in the last five years," Guardiola said. "These are facts. It's not an opinion."

City holds a 2-0 advantage over Newcastle heading into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. A victory would secure the club's fifth final appearance in 10 years in the competition.

"We have a chance to make our fifth final in ten years in the Carabao Cup," Guardiola said. "Of course a good result, I prefer to start 2-0 up but I know how many times we play against Newcastle and the pride they have as a Champions League team."

City has struggled to protect leads this season, making the second leg a crucial test. Guardiola acknowledged the challenge of maintaining their advantage against a determined Newcastle side.