Guardiola frustration at EFL scheduling

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are understood to be frustrated at the scheduling between Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Burton Albion and their Under-21’s side Checkatrade Trophy quarter-final clash against Sunderland.

The games are scheduled just one day apart with the Checkatrade Trophy clash on the 22nd before City travel to Burton just 24 hours later.

Pep Guardiola is understood to have wanted to give many young players the chance to play in the Carabao Cup as his team seek to remain competitive over four competitions.

City of course destroyed their lower league opposition Burton in the first leg, claiming an unassailable 9-0 victory and would have welcomed the chance to rest key players with a busy period arriving.

An EFL statement explained the situation after no agreement could be found between Manchester City and Sunderland:

“There is a significant amount of sympathy with the position outlined by Manchester City with the fact that the dating of this game could remove one opportunity for the club’s younger players to play in a first-team competitive game.

“The EFL is committed to delivering valuable playing opportunities for young players and would have assisted, if it had been practically possible, but the alternative dates all had issues with them.

“The EFL is grateful for the support of both clubs towards the Checkatrade Trophy and Pep Guardiola’s backing of the Carabao Cup.”

Guardiola will hope that playing a stronger side in the Carabao Cup doesn’t result in injuries to senior squad members as City look to better the double they won last season under the Spaniard.