Fixture schedule reaching a 'dangerous level', says Postecoglou
Speaking to reporters ahead of Tottenham's clash against Qarabag in the Europa League on Thursday night, Ange Postecoglou claimed that the number of games is reaching a 'danger level'. The Spurs boss said: "I have spoken already about the fact we're getting to a real dangerous level about what our expectations are around players.
"Instead of focusing on one or two tournaments, it's about the calendar. That is more of an issue. Players don't get a break between seasons any more like they used to. There are more tournaments both at club level, international level and continental level.
"So, it's going to get to a point where we are not going to have the best players out there playing and more even worst them breaking down for various reasons. It's definitely something that needs to be addressed..."
Maresca impressed by Chelsea efforts
Enzo Maresca was pleased with his side's performance in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night. Chelsea defeated Barrow 5-0 at Stamford Bridge.
"Very happy with the performance, with the result," said the Blues boss. "We did many changes, but the idea from the team was exactly the same. This has to be one of our targets, no matter how we are going to play, it is important that the identity of the team is always there.
"This type of game, I'm always worried a lot because they are tricky games. Football is full of these games, where you underestimate the other team; you concede goals and you concede chances but tonight I think the performance was very good and we showed how serious we are."
Arteta heaps praise on Arsenal youngsters
Speaking to reporters following Arsenal's win over Bolton, Mikel Arteta said: "Yes a really positive night in every sense. We gave minutes to a lot of senior players who showed quality. We gave the opportunity to quite a lot of academy players."
When asked if a few of his players will be at school tomorrow morning, the Gunners boss added: "There are a few! They were buzzing and they spoke to the players just to thank them."
Slot faces the media after defeating West Ham
Speaking to Sky Sports after Liverpool's 5-1 win over the Hammers, Arne Slot said: "If you’re facing a team like West Ham, who have a lot of quality, they can press you. Second half they were also threatening on set-pieces.
"Since I’ve been here it’s never been easy, although sometimes the result looks different, but probably that’s the Premier League. Every team has quality players.
"I do feel like in most parts of the game we had control. We had a large part of ball possession, particularly in the first half..."
Arteta wants to get his hands on some silverware
Speaking to reporters ahead of Arsenal's clash against Bolton, Mikel Arteta was asked whether the Gunners need to start winning trophies to be considered successful. The Spaniard said: "In terms of trophies, success only comes when you win.
"How you measure success and what you associate with that word, we can probably have a deeper conversation. But we are here to win both the big competitions and the ones that aren’t considered as big."
Guardiola leaves the door open for Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs...
Pep Guardiola, a four-time winner of the competition, has admitted that Manchester City won’t 'waste energy' on the Carabao Cup this year, giving Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs a huge boost to their hopes of winning some silverware.
"The next round, I announce to you now, I play the second team," said the Spaniard. "We are not going to waste energy on this competition, for sure."
Jose Mourinho, Brian Clough and Sir Alex Ferguson are all also four-time winners of the competition, so Guardiola has the chance to claim top spot and the all-time record for most wins.
When is the final?
The Carabao Cup final is the first piece of domestic silverware on offer for English clubs. However, this season’s final will take place a little later with the Wembley showpiece scheduled for March 16 2025.
The dates for all remaining rounds can be found below…
Fourth round – w/c 28 October 2024
Quarter-finals – w/c 16 December 2024
Semi-finals – w/c 6 January 2025 & w/c 3 February 2025
Final – 16 March 2025
What's to come?
There are still three Carabao Cup third round ties to be played, with two of those games tonight. Arsenal welcome Bolton to Emirates Stadium (7:45pm kick-off), while Liverpool host West Ham (8pm kick-off).
AFC Wimbledon were due to host Newcastle on Tuesday but the match at Cherry Red Records Stadium was postponed on Monday morning following extensive overnight flooding in south London and related pitch damage at the stadium. The game will now take place at St. James' Park next Tuesday.