Pep Guardiola reveals why Manchester City refused to move their Carabao Cup clash against Watford to London, forcing them to play twice in just 49 HOURS later this month
- City take on Watford in the League Cup just 49 hours after their clash with Arsenal
- Guardiola’s team turned down the chance to play the match a day later in London
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Pep Guardiola has revealed that Manchester City have turned down the opportunity to change the location and date of an upcoming Carabao Cup match in a bid to reduce crowds in the competition.
The Premier League champions are preparing for the first intensive period of the new season, with European commitments in addition to domestic cup and league matches.
City play four games in three different competitions over the next 11 matches, starting with Saturday’s home game against Brentford. They have just one full day between games against Arsenal and Watford next week.
The City manager revealed that his side have been given the option of either playing the Hornets on Thursday or moving the clash to London, in which case they could meet on Wednesday when Man United play in the Europa League at Old Trafford.
According to the Spaniard, the extended European calendar will have major consequences for the selection of several teams. He previously urged the authorities to take into account the safety of the players.
Pep Guardiola has revealed that City have rejected the chance to move an upcoming Carabao Cup match
Manchester City face a tough schedule as they hunt for domestic and European glory
“It’s going to happen again. If someone creates another competition, it’s going to be even worse,” he told reporters ahead of Brentford’s visit. “It’s impossible to fix all the schedules and calendars.
‘People say they shouldn’t complain about players and managers with the money they have, but that’s not true. It’s about health.
‘Doctors mainly say that the bodies need four or five days to recover. We did three and now two.
“We’re not going to change, the meetings are pointless. If they decide they’re going to do it, they’ll do it.”
On the decision to hold next week’s League Cup tie at the Etihad Stadium, he added: ‘I would rather play at home than go to London because it gives our fans the chance to see this great, attractive team at home.
‘That’s why I decided to play on Tuesday. If we had said Thursday, we wouldn’t have had time to recover to go to Newcastle.
‘Hopefully we can select two teams, be fit and have no injuries, but everyone knows the schedule will be busy this season.’
Erling Haaland is uncertain for the weekend visit to Brentford after the death of a family friend this week
The Premier League champions’ relentless schedule begins with a clash against Thomas Franks’ side on Saturday afternoon. The Bees were the last team to record a victory at the Etihad, almost two years ago.
City may have to do without star player Erling Haaland, who could be given leave following the death of a family friend this week.
