Carabao Cup, Carling Cup, Milk Cup. It’s had many names, but its value has been up for debate for years.
The Carabao Cup has long been the subject of criticism from managers and players for congesting the football calendar. Media sweetheart José Mourinho famously claimed English football would be “better” without the competition, and with top teams playing more games than ever, it may well be time to hear the ‘Special One’ out.
The EFL Cup was introduced in 1960 following the birth of the FA Cup way back in 1871.
This week’s 4th round saw six London sides involved across the eight ties.
José made his comment after Manchester United’s 3rd round victory vs. Burton Albion in 2017. CREDIT: AP
From Obafemi Martins’ late winner for Birmingham at Wembley, to Kepa and Sarri’s handbags against Man City, the competition has not been short of thrills and spills over the years.
But with fixture congestion proving a growing issue, and managers often prioritising other tournaments, the Carabao’s time in the sun may be coming to an end.
Over the 4th round, Premier League sides made a boatful of changes, with Arsenal swapping out ten players for their 2-0 win against Brighton.
Martins’ goal won The Blues their first domestic trophy in almost fifty years. CREDIT: AP
It’s not just the big boys making wholesale changes, many lower league sides also view the Carabao Cup as an opportunity to give their players a rest, making knockout football look – and feel – more like pre-season.
Up-and-coming footballers still need a platform to strut their stuff, and the League Cup undoubtedly provides that – flashback to 2003 and a certain baby-faced Cesc Fabregas made his professional debut in the competition. Seven years later, the midfielder climbed footballing Everest and won the World Cup with Spain. Steps to success.
Cesc Fabregas made his debut in a 1-1 draw vs. Rotherham at Highbury. CREDIT: AP
Equally, it’s not all about entertainment, as ridiculous as that sounds – English football has a real problem financially supporting lower-league clubs and the Carabao Cup is a massive boost for these smaller teams.
Rodri goes down with a serious knee injury during last-year’s fixture against Arsenal. CREDIT: AP
One month after he voiced his concerns, the former Ballon d’Or winner suffered a season-ending injury.
So, with England being the only major European footballing nation to have two domestic cup competitions, the question remains: do we need the Carabao Cup?
It feels like a matter of time before the football calendar is adjusted, and there’s a real argument for the League Cup to be first on the chopping block.
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HeadlineCarabobbins? With a Congested Schedule, is it Time to Bin Off the EFL Cup?
Short HeadlineCarabobbins? The Case for Ditching the EFL Cup
StandfirstThe 4th round of the Carabao Cup took place this week, with six of the eight fixtures featuring a London side.
Carabao Cup, Carling Cup, Milk Cup. It’s had many names, but its value has been up for debate for years.
The Carabao Cup has long been the subject of criticism from managers and players for congesting the football calendar. Media sweetheart José Mourinho famously claimed English football would be “better” without the competition, and with top teams playing more games than ever, it may well be time to hear the ‘Special One’ out.
The EFL Cup was introduced in 1960 following the birth of the FA Cup way back in 1871.
This week’s 4th round saw six London sides involved across the eight ties.
José made his comment after Manchester United’s 3rd round victory vs. Burton Albion in 2017. CREDIT: AP
From Obafemi Martins’ late winner for Birmingham at Wembley, to Kepa and Sarri’s handbags against Man City, the competition has not been short of thrills and spills over the years.
But with fixture congestion proving a growing issue, and managers often prioritising other tournaments, the Carabao’s time in the sun may be coming to an end.
Over the 4th round, Premier League sides made a boatful of changes, with Arsenal swapping out ten players for their 2-0 win against Brighton.
Martins’ goal won The Blues their first domestic trophy in almost fifty years. CREDIT: AP
It’s not just the big boys making wholesale changes, many lower league sides also view the Carabao Cup as an opportunity to give their players a rest, making knockout football look – and feel – more like pre-season.
Up-and-coming footballers still need a platform to strut their stuff, and the League Cup undoubtedly provides that – flashback to 2003 and a certain baby-faced Cesc Fabregas made his professional debut in the competition. Seven years later, the midfielder climbed footballing Everest and won the World Cup with Spain. Steps to success.
Cesc Fabregas made his debut in a 1-1 draw vs. Rotherham at Highbury. CREDIT: AP
Equally, it’s not all about entertainment, as ridiculous as that sounds – English football has a real problem financially supporting lower-league clubs and the Carabao Cup is a massive boost for these smaller teams.
Rodri goes down with a serious knee injury during last-year’s fixture against Arsenal. CREDIT: AP
One month after he voiced his concerns, the former Ballon d’Or winner suffered a season-ending injury.
So, with England being the only major European footballing nation to have two domestic cup competitions, the question remains: do we need the Carabao Cup?
It feels like a matter of time before the football calendar is adjusted, and there’s a real argument for the League Cup to be first on the chopping block.
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