Pep Guardiola has openly questioned the Football League's regulations that will prevent Manchester City's new defensive signing, Marc Guéhi, from featuring in the upcoming Carabao Cup final. The manager expressed his frustration after City secured their place at Wembley with a comprehensive aggregate victory over Newcastle United.
Regulation Blocks Late Arrival
Guéhi's £20 million transfer from Crystal Palace was completed on 19th January, which unfortunately fell after the cut-off date stipulated by EFL Cup rule 6.4.2. This regulation clearly states that a player may only represent two different clubs in the competition if he joins his new team before the first leg of the semi-final stage.
The first leg of City's semi-final against Newcastle took place on 13th January, making Guéhi ineligible. This is in contrast to Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, who was eligible for his club's semi-final as his move was finalised on 9th January, before the critical deadline.
Guardiola's Public Appeal
"I told the club we must ask – hopefully we can convince the Carabao Cup that Marc can play the final," Guardiola stated. "I don't understand why he cannot play the final. Hopefully we make a letter – you buy a player for a lot of money and he is not able to play for a rule I don't understand. Hopefully they can change it."
Despite this public appeal for a rule review, the Catalan manager admitted he was not optimistic about a last-minute change. "No. To change the rule? No way," he conceded when asked if he held out hope.
City's Path to Wembley
Manchester City booked their ticket to the final with a 3-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium in the second leg, following a 2-0 win in the first encounter. This gave them a commanding 5-1 aggregate scoreline over Eddie Howe's Newcastle side.
The goals on the night came from:
- Two strikes by Omar Marmoush
- A finish from Tijjani Reijnders
All three goals were scored in a dominant first-half display. Newcastle's sole consolation was a second-half effort from Anthony Elanga.
Newcastle's Disappointment and Injury Concerns
The defeat marked the end of Newcastle's defence of the Carabao Cup, a trophy they won memorably last season. Manager Eddie Howe reflected on the loss with evident disappointment.
"It is painful, we loved the ride we had last year – it was an incredible experience and we were desperate to have it again," said Howe.
The Magpies also suffered an injury blow during the match, with Anthony Gordon forced off before half-time due to a suspected hamstring problem. "It looks a hamstring problem – a big worry," Howe confirmed.
Looking Ahead
While celebrating a return to a major final, Guardiola also highlighted the positive experience for players new to such occasions. "Many of us, including me, we are really happy to come back to the final – and for many players that have never been in the final, the Carabao Cup, or a final with this club, it's a good thing to experience that."
Looking towards their next fixture, City may be without Bernardo Silva for their crucial Premier League trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. The Portuguese midfielder is considered a doubt due to a muscle injury.
Manchester City will now formally request clarification from the EFL regarding Guéhi's eligibility, though expectations for a rule change before the final appear minimal.
