Pep Guardiola was counting the positives despite seeing Manchester City dumped out of the Carabao Cup at Newcastle.
Wednesday night's 1-0 defeat at St James' Park ended City's interest at the third-round stage, although boss Guardiola scoffed at the suggestion afterwards that a quadruple to go with last season’s treble was ever on the cards.
Nevertheless the Spaniard, who made eight changes for the trip to Tyneside, was focusing on the future and the prospect of more silverware despite the disappointment of defeat.
Guardiola said: "We have incredibly positive things for many, many players for their good play.
"The competitions we won plus the European Super Cup, we have three more competitions to play in. For the rest of the teams, good luck for the Carabao Cup."
Only Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol and Julian Alvarez of those who started Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest did so again against the Magpies as Guardiola used the depth of his impressive squad.
That meant places in the XI for England duo Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish, as well as Mateo Kovacic, and there was a first senior start for 20-year-old midfielder Oscar Bobb and another first-team appearance for teenager Rico Lewis.
Asked about Bobb’s contribution, Guardiola said: "Oscar was more than brilliant in all parts, offence and defence.
"He’s played as a number 10, as a striker, as a winger. We know in the pockets in the middle he moves really well. His intensity is good, he works without the ball."
City dominated the first half without creating clear-cut chances other than an attempt from Alvarez which was blocked by keeper Nick Pope, and ultimately they were made to pay by Alexander Isak, whose 53rd-minute strike as the home side rallied after the break proved decisive.
Guardiola said: "We were brilliant first half. I think Newcastle couldn’t accept [our first-half dominance], they increased the rhythm and aggression and kicking and they were there, more aggressive.
"We struggled a little, but that’s normal. I said at half-time the second half will not be like the first. I don’t know how many fouls they did and how many we did, but we had double yellow cards. It is what it is.
"I said to be there in the bad moments and we were there. At the end, we could not win. Congratulations to Newcastle."
Toon boss Eddie Howe saluted his supporting cast after seeing a much-changed team edge into the Carabao Cup fourth round.
Howe left out 10 of the men who started Sunday's 8-0 Premier League romp at Sheffield United for Wednesday night's clash with the treble winners, yet saw them emerge with a hard-fought victory.
He reserved particular praise for central defenders Paul Dummett and Jamaal Lascelles, with the former, who has been at the club since the age of nine, turning in a dogged display in his first appearance since August last year.
Howe said: "I thought Paul was absolutely outstanding. When you see him behind the scenes every day, his commitment to Newcastle, the professionalism that he shows, his standards have been exemplary since I’ve been here.
"That’s why I was so determined to keep him in the summer – and he can still play an important role on the pitch.
"He’s got real experience and a really good defensive mindset. I thought him and Jamaal, the pair of them, were really, really good for us and I’m delighted that we showed that strength in our back line because it’s going to be hugely important this season."
The 32-year-old Geordie was part of a team in which only keeper Nick Pope kept his place from the weekend, while there were first starts for summer signings Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall and 17-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley.
Newcastle now face a reunion with their conquerors in last season’s final, Manchester United, at Old Trafford in the fourth round as they attempt to deal with the competing demands of a schedule which includes Champions League football for the first time in 20 years.
However, asked if victory over competition favourites City might change his priorities, Howe said: "I don’t think we’re looking too far ahead.
"We can only look at what’s in front of us and try to continue the good form that we’re in. Then when this competition comes around again, we’ll give it our full focus.
"The preparation for today was the same as any other game. Yes, we rotated the team, but we felt that was a necessity. We still wanted to win the game."
Isak, who limped off with a tight calf muscle shortly after scoring, will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s league clash with Burnley.
Carabao Cup fourth round draw
Mansfield Town v Port Vale
Ipswich Town v Fulham
Manchester United v Newcastle United
AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool
Chelsea v Blackburn Rovers
West Ham United v Arsenal
Everton v Burnley
Exeter City v Middlesbrough
Ties to be played week commencing 30 October.
