Arsene Wenger Challenges Mourinho, Guardiola on League Cup

Arsene Wenger Challenges Mourinho, Guardiola on League Cup

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has taken a decidedly different stand to his Premier League rivals on the value of England’s cup competitions, saying he has no plans to sacrifice any competition this season.

Wenger’s take comes in the wake of comments by Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola questioning the value of the Carabao (League) Cup after hostilities began midweek.

Manchester United boss Mourinho suggested scrapping the cup could help English clubs be more competitive in Europe.

And his thoughts were backed by Manchester City counterpart Guardiola, who played down the significance of the competition.

But Wenger views the situation differently, saying there was too much pressure to simply just give up on any potential trophy, Goal writes.

“With the pressure that every club is under now, you cannot sacrifice any competition,” the Frenchman said.

“You know that you could pay the price sometimes for it because if you go further in the League Cup, at some stage you play semi-finals where you are home and away in January, and you have the FA Cup, the Premiership.

“Sometimes you lose players in these competitions.”

Arsenal will take on Norwich City in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, while City host Wolves and United visit Swansea City.