The scheduling of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup match against Watford, which is scheduled 48 hours after they host title rivals Arsenal in the Premier League, has been criticised by Pep Guardiola.
On September 22, City will play Arsenal in a critical match in the title race. Two days later, they will host Watford in the third round of the EFL Cup.
Greater Manchester Police are unable to provide coverage for both matches on the same date, which is why City is unable to play that fixture a day later. Manchester United is also playing FC Twente in the Europa League.
Guardiola, whose team is scheduled to play four games in a span of ten days, stated, “They provided us with an alternative [to play at Watford on Wednesday] in order to give us more days.” The first of these games is scheduled for today.
However, we have a game in Newcastle on Saturday, and we prioritise Newcastle’s recovery.
“We will play on Tuesday because we were unable to play on Wednesday, as scheduled, due to United’s participation in the Europa League and the police’s refusal to permit it.”
“It will occur on an increasing scale.” It is impossible to rectify all of the schedules and calendars. People argue that athletes and supervisors should not complain due to their financial resources; however, the issue is their health.
“We will perform our duties regardless of the salary, as we are passionate about our work. However, we are scheduled to face Arsenal on Sunday, which is a challenging match in my opinion, and Watford two days later.”
I am not an expert in the calendars, fixtures, or competitions; however, we will not alter our course; the meetings are of no value. They are going to do it if they determine to do so.
“We will select two teams on Tuesday. We are optimistic that we will be healthy and free of injuries, but it is a well-known fact that the schedule will be constrained this season.”
But before that, Guardiola is not taking anything for granted when it comes to the last team to defeat City at home in the Premier League.
In November 2022, Brentford secured a 2-1 victory over Guardiola’s team at the Etihad, resulting in City’s final home league loss. This match was played prior to the World Cup in Qatar.
Since that time, City has played 31 league games at home, winning 25 and drawing six. This extraordinary streak underscores the domestic dominance of the four-time Premier League champions.
Guardiola anticipates a difficult challenge against Brentford, despite the fact that the Bees are unable to utilise Ivan Toney, who scored both goals in that victory nearly two years ago.
Guardiola stated, “It signifies the extent of our accomplishments.” “Two years without a home loss.” That is satisfactory.
“I cannot recall a game that was effortless against a Thomas Frank team, a person whom I hold in high regard.” Since they were promoted, they have consistently been resilient in certain situations, and this will be no different. They altered the shape slightly in accordance with their performance during the Championship.
However, they possess an exceptionally effective process, and their high-pressure defence is both close and compact, and their man-to-man pressuring is truly remarkable.It is a comprehensive crew. We have faced them on numerous occasions over the years, and the game has consistently been exceedingly challenging.
