Manchester City may have won the Carabao Cup but the news that their star defender’s injury could be a blow for Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City started the final as clear favourites to win the title. And they did win, against a side they had humiliated a fortnight ago. City may not have performed the way they did in their 6-0 thumping of this same opponents in Etihad. But eventually won the game in penalty shootout.
However, Manchester City have got a blow because one of their regular starters Aymeric Laporte had to leave the pitch. As he had a hamstring injury, Vincent Kompany replaces him.
Amidst their title celebrations, this comes as a considerable blow for their hopes of winning the league. They have a ambition to defend the English Premier League title – as Laporte, a £57m signing in 2018. It has featured in 27 Premier League matches for the defending champions.
The French defender has recently got a two-year extension to his contract which would see the 24-year-old donning the City jersey until 2025, a move that highlighted how high is his rate in the team.
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola confirmed that Laporte will have to sit out for a few weeks. The coach said,“Fernandinho and Laporte will be some weeks out.”
“Winning this game is good for the enthusiasm for the next games. But we are going to suffer for the next competitions, especially in the Champions League and Premier League. But the win is important for the mood – ‘OK, guys, we have two titles already in our basket, the Community Shield and today. Winning the game is important for the enthusiasm for the next game, but this competition is demanding a lot.” Pep Guardiola said after the game against Chelsea.
As Guardiola told, Manchester City still have competitions other Premier League to contest. And also these injuries could not have at a worse time. You will miss Laporte who has been crucial for City all season.
Author’s Take
After Liverpool drew Manchester United at Old Trafford, the Jurgen Klopp-coached side has a one point lead at the top of the points table. Pressure has undoubtedly mounted. But Liverpool will have to keep winning every game to dent City’s hopes of retaining the title. Now everyone wants to see how City will fare in the absence of the French defender, given Mendy and Stones are also out due to injuries.
