Pep Guardiola, the most successful manager in the history of the EFL Cup, insists he will not “waste energy” on the competition this season, despite Manchester City’s victory over Watford securing their place in the last 16. City earned a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium, courtesy of goals from Jeremy Doku and Matheus Nunes, but Guardiola’s comments post-match reflected his shifting priorities.
Despite his previous four EFL Cup titles with City, the Spaniard hinted that the competition might not be a focal point this year. “We don’t have the energy to waste on every competition, “We play so many games, and our focus must be on what really matters” Guardiola said.
Rotation Key to Victory
Guardiola made sweeping changes to his side for the Watford clash, with only two players—Jeremy Doku and Kyle Walker—retaining their places from the squad that had drawn 2-2 with Arsenal in a thrilling Premier League contest just 48 hours earlier. In a show of squad depth, Guardiola opted to rest key players, turning to some of his less experienced options to see City through the encounter.
Jeremy Doku opened the scoring after 22 minutes with a composed finish, continuing his impressive form since joining from Rennes in the summer. The Belgian winger’s pace and directness have added a new dimension to City’s attack, and his latest goal only cemented his growing reputation. Matheus Nunes, another new signing, doubled City’s lead ten minutes later with a close-range strike, marking his first goal for the club.
Despite the dominance displayed in the first half, City couldn’t put the game to bed. Watford, to their credit, grew into the match after halftime and pulled a goal back through Ryan Porteous in the 63rd minute. However, Guardiola’s side managed to control the game in the closing stages to secure their spot in the next round.
Guardiola’s Focus on the Big Picture
Guardiola’s comments about the EFL Cup suggest that the Manchester City manager has his sights set on loftier ambitions this season. With City pushing to defend both their Premier League and Champions League titles, Guardiola appears determined to manage the workload of his squad effectively.
“It’s not about disrespecting the EFL Cup,” Guardiola clarified. “We have a duty to compete, and we did that tonight. But with the schedule we have, it’s impossible to go full throttle in every game. We need to make sure we are in the best shape for the competitions that matter most.”
The demanding fixture list has placed enormous pressure on top clubs like Manchester City, who are competing on multiple fronts. The early stages of domestic cup competitions are often seen as opportunities to rotate squads and give fringe players more minutes, and Guardiola’s approach reflected just that.
Depth Key for City’s Success
One of the major talking points surrounding Manchester City is their incredible squad depth, which Guardiola has utilized to full effect. The victory over Watford showcased the team’s ability to perform even when resting key figures such as Erling Haaland and Rodri.
Jeremy Doku, in particular, has proven to be an astute signing. His attacking prowess, coupled with his ability to take on defenders and create chances, has provided City with an added spark going forward. Matheus Nunes, too, has seamlessly integrated into Guardiola’s system, with his goal providing further evidence of his growing influence.
Guardiola praised the contributions of the squad players, acknowledging their importance in keeping the team fresh and competitive throughout the season. “We have a very talented team, and games like this are important for everyone to feel part of the success. Doku and Nunes were fantastic tonight, and these are the moments we need them to step up.”
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