West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini insists they're taking the Carabao Cup seriously.

West Ham open their campaign tonight against Macclesfield.

“This is a competition that has many good memories for me," Pellegrini confirmed. “It was the first title I won in English football, as manager of Manchester City in 2014.

“It is a very important competition – the first major trophy that can be won in the season – and the experience of winning at Wembley in front of your supporters is something that stays with you forever.

“Our ambition is clear – to take the competition very seriously and progress as far as we possibly can. I know it is a trophy that West Ham United have not yet won in our history and, of course, we would like that to change, but first we must concentrate on showing the right approach against Macclesfield."