Manchester City of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have been one of the most dominant sides in the Premier League in the last couple of seasons. The collision between the two teams never fails to produce an enthralling game.
The two teams will be colliding again in the Carabao Cup on Thursday. The Reds had an upper hand over the Sky Blues in their last few clashes. In their last 5 matches, Jurgen Klopp’s men have won 3 matches with 2 draws. While in their most recent clash in October, Liverpool defeated City 1-0. Moreover, the Merseyside Giants are also the current Carabao Cup holders.
Pep Guardiola says he only has four or five senior players ahead Liverpool City clash
The Spanish manager looked concerned about the availability of players in the City camp. Before the 4th round EFL Cup clash the Man City boss said:
“At the moment, we have four or five players and we will have to wait and see how the others come back.”
He said this referring to the absence of the senior players in the squad. But the statement didn’t go well with some fans as they said he has plenty of options in the squad.
The English champions recently faced Girona in a friendly where Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne scored goals. Riyad Mahrez and Gundogan are the other senior players present in the squad according to him. Though players like Sergio Gomez and Cole Palmer who are Pep’s regulars also played in the friendly.
“People are coming back soon” – According to the Man City boss
City had a total of 16 players who went to the World Cup. Many of them still haven’t returned to the squad. Still, it is being speculated that some of them might return before the match on Thursday. Pep said “People are coming back soon” referring to the England and Portugal players. As England and Portugal were knocked out in the Quarterfinals. So we can see players like Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, and Joao Cancelo on Thursday.
Targeted the FIFA heads over the schedule
The City manager also pointed out the ridiculous schedule of the matches.
“We don’t have players but the big brains of football, with their thoughts, made this schedule so we’ll play”
said the manager speaking to Manchester Evening News.
The Spanish manager was the official ambassador for the Qatar bid back in 2010.
As for Liverpool, they are also going to miss out on some big names. Virgil Van Dijk won’t be appearing on Thursday. Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are yet to return from their long-term injury.
