Pep Guardiola Vows to Challenge Carabao Cup Rules Over Marc Guehi Final Eligibility
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has declared that the club will formally request permission from the Football League for defender Marc Guehi to feature in the upcoming Carabao Cup final, despite current regulations rendering the player ineligible. This bold move follows City's comprehensive 5-1 aggregate victory over Newcastle United, which secured their place at Wembley for a showdown with Arsenal on March 22.
Guehi's Sideline Frustration Amidst City's Semi-Final Triumph
The England international was forced to watch from the sidelines as Manchester City defeated Newcastle 3-1 in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night. While new signing Antoine Semenyo was eligible to play, Guehi found himself barred due to a specific competition rule. This regulation stipulates that players who join a club after the first leg of a semi-final are ineligible for the remainder of that cup competition, meaning Guehi's arrival timing has excluded him from the final.
Guardiola expressed clear frustration with this situation, openly questioning the logic behind the rule during his post-match comments. "Why should he not play? Why not?" Guardiola stated emphatically. "He's our player, we pay his salary, we hired him. We want to ask. I said to the club we have to ask definitely. I don't understand the reason why he cannot play in the final of the Carabao Cup in March when he has been here a long time."
Guardiola's Pragmatic Yet Determined Stance
The Catalan manager acknowledged the likely futility of such a request, admitting that changing established rules is improbable. However, he emphasised the club's determination to present their case on grounds of pure logic. "Of course we are going to ask because it's pure logic. (But) to change the rule, no way. But we will try," Guardiola conceded, highlighting a blend of realism and defiance in his approach.
City's Commanding Performance and Wembley Pedigree
On the pitch, Manchester City delivered a dominant first-half display to seal their final berth. Omar Marmoush was the standout performer, scoring two early goals before Tijjani Reijnders added a third, all within the opening 35 minutes. Although Anthony Elanga pulled a goal back for Newcastle in the 62nd minute, City controlled the tie comfortably.
This victory extends Manchester City's remarkable record of appearing at Wembley at least once every season since the 2010-11 campaign. Guardiola refused to take this consistency for granted, praising his squad's sustained excellence. "I do not take it for granted," he reflected. "I know how difficult it is. I don't know how many semi-finals and finals we have played in the FA Cup but it's really good, and in 10 years five Carabao Cup finals so it's really good: top, top, top."
Guardiola also singled out Marmoush for particular praise, noting the Egyptian forward's impactful contributions. "He gives us a special quality," Guardiola said. "His pace, his moments in behind, and his work ethic." Marmoush, who previously scored a hat-trick against Newcastle, seized his opportunity with Erling Haaland starting on the bench.
Newcastle's Disappointment and Injury Concern
For Newcastle United, the night proved deeply disappointing. Arriving in Manchester already trailing 2-0 from the first leg, they needed a strong start but instead found themselves three goals down before half-time, effectively ending the contest. Manager Eddie Howe did not hide his displeasure with his team's performance. "(I was) really annoyed with the first half display," Howe admitted. "We pride ourselves on being really organised and tactically we want to be able to handle any problem the opposition gives us. That first half we weren't good enough individually and our duels were off and it gave us huge problems."
To compound Newcastle's woes, winger Anthony Gordon was forced off before half-time with a suspected hamstring injury. Howe confirmed the concern, stating, "It looks like a hamstring problem. I don't quite know how bad it was but it was enough for him to come off so that's a big worry."
As Manchester City now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal, the subplot surrounding Marc Guehi's eligibility adds an intriguing layer of administrative drama to the sporting spectacle. Guardiola's challenge to the Football League's rules underscores the high stakes and complex regulations governing modern football, setting the stage for a compelling final at Wembley.
