A number of Premier League managers give their verdict on controversial FA Cup changes when asked in their press conference this week.
The Football Association have today issued a lengthy statement following backlash to their decision to scrap FA Cup replays.
The governing body say they have “listened to the concerns expressed over the last 24 hours” and would like to “outline the approval process which was undertaken for the 2024-25 professional game football calendar”.
“We have been discussing the calendar for the 2024-25 season with the Premier League and EFL for well over a year,” the statement said.
“Removing Emirates FA Cup replays was discussed in the early meetings and all parties accepted that they could not continue.”
PEP GUARDIOLA
Man City boss Pep Guardiola: “I think you know better than me why replays was created in this country, for lower divisions to have the opportunity to have the big clubs, good money for them. For that sense it’s a problem, a big blow.
“For the big clubs playing in European competitions it’s much better. We have less games, in our tight schedule there is a lot of games. To find the balance today in world football is the most difficult thing.
“I understand clubs in lower divisions can complain about that. If we have a game in the Etihad Stadium and we have to go to the Conference or League One, that game is so important for them.
“But the schedule we have, especially the teams which play European competition and have many players go to the national team, it’s much better.”
“It’s a problem, it’s a big problem…” ????
Pep Guardiola gives his views on the latest news regarding FA Cup replays next season ⚽ pic.twitter.com/4Mab3TWLNG
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2024
NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO:
Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo on FA Cup replays being scrapped: “I’ve expressed my opinion before. I think it should be one leg only due to many aspects, such as the schedule. I’m in favour of that decision.”
He argued replays should be done away with when his were held by Blackpool in their third round tie earlier this season.
“Everybody is aware there is a big congestion of games and fixtures are every day. It is something they have to look at,” Nuno said at the time.
“If you ask me, I think it should be finished on the day – extra-time, penalties and whatever. Allow the players to have a little bit more time to recover. Premier League teams are suffering with that. You know the issues with injuries, and one of the things is the amount of fixtures we are exposed to.”
ERIK TEN HAG
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag described the news as ‘sad’ for British football, but also claimed the changes were ‘inevitable’ due to the schedule of clubs competing in European competitions.
He said: It’s very sad for the British football culture. But also it’s inevitable. No one can do anything for it. It’s due to the overload in the schedule.
‘That’s dictated by FIFA and UEFA and England is part of UEFA. We are a big competition, we have a big influence and impact on FIFA and UEFA but there are so many other countries and they are making the football schedule.
‘There is so much overload on the players. It has to stop. I feel really sad for the clubs in England football but for top players this is a measure which can make some space in the schedule.’
“It’s very sad for British football culture… but it was inevitable” ????
Erik ten Hag weighs in on the scrapping of FA Cup replays ahead of Manchester United’s semi-final clash with Coventry ???? pic.twitter.com/2dJW6CO47C
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2024
MIKEL ARTETA:
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said that while he can understand opinions of clubs lower down the football pyramid, the calendar had to be reduced.
He said: ‘I understand every point of view and mine is to protect our players and when I looked at the amount of games and minutes they played in the last two seasons and how they will have to play in the next two years that’s not healthy.
‘So somewhere, and I’m not saying it has to be that (FA Cup replays) but somewhere, somehow, we have to reduce the calendar.’
???? “That’s not healthy”
Mikel Arteta says a reduction in player schedules is needed amid discussion around the FA Cup changes ???? pic.twitter.com/5HKaHUnttd
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 19, 2024
ROB EDWARDS:
Luton Town manager Rob Edwards has previously managed in the fourth tier of English football.
He said: ‘I’ve managed in League Two, so I have complete empathy with teams in the EFL and I know the value replays can bring.
‘We played Bolton, we had a replay earlier this season, I know they’re a big club on their way back but it was valuable to them.
‘I can understand clubs’ frustrations. But on the side I can see with the fixture schedule that’s coming up next season with our European teams it’s near impossible to fit the replays in so can see both sides of it.’
“I’ve managed in League Two, so I have complete empathy with teams in the EFL…”
Rob Edwards sees both sides of the new FA Cup format ???? pic.twitter.com/9xdyd9ndFR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2024
GARY O’NEIL:
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil points an example of where scrapping replays could be beneficial to lower league teams.
He said: ‘You can see there’s an awful lot being asked of top players at the moment. I think the amount of games they play. The guys that are playing in the Champions League and then going to go off to the Euros or Copa America, they’re playing an awful lot of football matches.
‘So I understand about that. But if I put my selfish Wolverhampton head on, if we’re going to run with a squad of 19 which is what we have this season then the less games the better.
‘I spoke about the FA Cup before I think we played Brighton, where I was strong they need to play on Saturdays so you get a full-week’s preparation and the game can be taken seriously and not put between two league games.
‘I think it’s a shame we have had to go that way. I think it could work both ways for the lower league teams as well where if you’re drawing at home to a big club you’d rather play extra-time and penalties as you have more chance of winning that at home than you would if you’re drawing 1-1 with Man City.
‘You’d rather carry on for 30 minutes at home with your backing and penalties than have to go to the Etihad in a replay.
‘But from a financial point of view I understand clubs would benefit greatly from gate receipts from the extra games. There is a balance and we can see how it goes and judge once it’s in.’
SEAN DYCHE:
He said: ‘For the beauty of the cup, it changes obviously. The glamour, the prestige changes. But I don’t know, they’re cramming so much into football now and certainly in the Premier League season and as I said particularly the teams that are doing well in all sorts of competitions.
‘I don’t think it’s an easy situation, because there are a lot of games and as I said the higher up you go, the more trophies you’re in, it does get a lot of games. Players are playing 55 or 65 games a season and I think it does get challenging for them.
‘It’s not an easy situation to make them decisions, who’s saying what and who wants what, the latest debate about player wellbeing and heading the ball and extra-time, where does it all live, which one’s which? Generally speaking, I think most managers would suggest players play a lot of games. Particularly ones that are involved in international tournaments as well. ‘
???? “There’s an awful lot being asked of top players at the moment”
Gary O’Neil gives his thoughts on the controversial FA Cup changes ???? pic.twitter.com/WzKuCBmlKD
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 19, 2024
THOMAS FRANK:
On the decision to scrap FA Cup replays, he said: “I think it’s the right decision to make.
“I love the FA Cup, every tradition about it and I understand some are against it because they want to protect the traditions.
“It’s important in English football that we’re aware of the traditions because there’s something precious about that.
“Unfortunately, the amount of games in the schedule and the intensity in the game makes it difficult to add more games in.
“For me, the FA Cup will still be the biggest cup tournament in the world and the most historic one, and that will not change because we don’t have replays.”
This is how fans reacted as Premier League managers give their verdict on the controversial FA Cup changes…
@bwfc_elliot: Those “bigger clubs” competing in Europe play the same amount of games as the average lower league club. As for those in the lower reaches of the prem, they’ll probably play 10-20 less games than the lower leagues do #pep
@LutonTownExile: I genuinely despair. To admit the implications for lower league clubs & then say ‘but it’s better for big teams’. No soul. No compassion. No filter. He has no understanding, no appreciation, no skin in the game when it comes to the reactions of English football. How can he have? #pep
@StephenJPike: It’s not just about the money, the sides that get a tough draw even away at a top end club in the same league or above, they had the chance to grind out a replay to bring it back home and increase your chances of progression in the competition
@Lili_P_EFC: If replays are too much for the bigger club to handle just withdraw from the competition (and that includes my club Everton if they feel the same way). its not fair on the lower-league clubs and ruins the integrity of the FA Cup
@IanMSanders: The arrogance gushes out of him #pep
@barkway_ken: How about stopping wanky pre and post season tours? #arteta
@Mikoo1998: Shut up, you already play 8 less league games a season. Maybe pull out of the extended champions league and club World Cup formats instead of shafting lower league clubs #arteta
@1985Pete: Then rotate your massive squads then. You play less games than most EFL clubs with far superior facilities and resources. #arteta
@Funtimefreckle: Pretty simple. Stop the money making round the world pre season tours and tell @UEFA to shove its Nations League. There was no need in its creation whatsoever and affected the schedules of all the top international players throughout the season.
@MikeyMcMahon: Here’s a funny idea, you’ve got dozens and dozens of fringe players and academy players, rotate your squad like teams in the EFL and below have to, many playing more games than you!
@nodgers: Tourist club, how about flex your resources and use your PL2 players. You want them to have experience of playing men’s football there’s your chance, Don’t seem to have a problem jetting off to take part in tourist exhibition trophies, a stain on our football heritage. #arteta
@garethjones2016: Jesus, imagine having a job where you have to work 50 hours a week to make ends meet. They don’t live in the real world
@Jono_SHJ: No Gary. I’d rather @khfcofficial would have forced a replay v @WestHam and had a trip to the London Stadium as opposed to losing to a late extra-time goal.
@spireiterunner: My heart bleeds for you. Come and watch some real football in League 1 or 2 or the National League. How many breaks have you had this season. ????????????????
@notts_twit: I will abbreviate for anyone who does not have time to listen to the full interview. I’m in the PL and that’s all I care about, myself and money. Are their clubs outside the PL?
@awaydaytown: If it’s too much for your precious players, pull out of the FA Cup then.
@jkanalysis7:
Are we genuinely feeling sorry for the players that :
– earn £100,000 a week +
– use top class facilities
– get the chance to represent their country
– play less games than players in the lower divisions
– have better opportunities in their career
Wow, the entitlement!
@StandingAlone77: Another reminder. The Wolves first team will play 45 games this season (38 league, 5 FA Cup, 2 League Cup) 1 less than EFL teams play IN THE LEAGUE ALONE. What are you talking about Gary?
@tomhwilliams23: Such a shame this. Almost touches on good points but fails to actually recognise the issue at hand. He says Wolves have a squad of 19. They’ve used 26 in PL, 29 in all comps, 12 out on loan (For what it’s worth I think GON is an excellent coach, so it’s especially disappointing)
