Pep wrong to call for Cup axe says Villa legend Daley
PEP GUARDIOLA has been told he is wrong in demanding the League Cup be scrapped.
Guardiola and
Jurgen Klopp, the super managers of the Premier League, both say the cup has to go.
But Aston Villa wing legend Tony Daley claims: “They are wrong. I won the League Cup and it’s one of the proudest possessions of my football career.”
Today, Guardiola leads Manchester City out against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup Final with City looking for a third successive League Cup win.
Both Guardiola and Klopp claim there are too many games and the League Cup needs to be sacrificed.
But Daley, who now owns a fitness business and will be at Wembley today supporting Villa, says: “That is so wrong.
“You tell that to clubs like Oxford, who have won the League Cup, that it should be scrapped.
“Or tell it to clubs who get themselves to a semi-final like Bradford City did.
“Tranmere Rovers also got to the final a few years back.
“Or me, who has a winner’s medal from 1994, with that feeling of delight and achievement that comes from being a cup winner, that they should scrap it.
“You look at the delight in the faces of the Manchester City players if they win the League Cup on Sunday.”
Villa were the first winners of the League Cup in 1961 and have five wins, behind Liverpool (eight) and Man City (six).
“I can kind of see the point of Guardiola and Klopp because they are challenging for the European Cup. Then there’s the FA Cup as well and the Premier League,” adds Daley.
“There’s a workload there but their squads are big enough to take that.”
Villa’s shock 3-1 win over Manchester United, with Daley setting up the third goal, is his only major medal from his 17-year playing career.
■ Tony Daley was speaking at the launch of his fitness programme 7Daley. For more information visit 7Daley.co.uk
THE LAST time Aston
Villa won a major trophy, England were just about to host Euro 96 and Oasis and the Spice Girls were dominating the airwaves. Goals from £3.5million signing Savo Milosevic, boyhood fan Ian Taylor and striker Dwight Yorke put Leeds United to the sword.
NEIL MOXLEY looks back on Brian Little’s class of ’96 to find out what they are now up to.
Joined Manchester
United after leaving
Villa in 2001. Was declared bankrupt in 2008 and returned to Australia, where he has reinvented himself as a pundit.
Three years after lifting his only trophy, Charles joined Benfica but was plagued with injuries. Has since battled alcoholism and depression but is a now a counsellor and has passed his Uefa A coaching licence. with a season at Villa Park, said: “Jack is a great footballer with a good technique – and I love watching him play because he reminds me of Dennis Bergkamp.
“I like to see him playing in the same position as Dennis, as a
No10.
“He has great vision, he isn’t a selfish player because he always wants to do what is best for the team – and I think he has a great future.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on Jack because he is still a young player learning the game, and Dennis was an incredible talent and a champion.
“But Grealish is a very complete player and I think the key for him is to keep playing like he enjoys his
Stayed at Villa Park until
2003 when he left to join Sheffield United. Moved into lower league management with Southport and Northwich Victoria.
Left Villa in 2000, joining Middlesbrough in an £8m deal and made four appearances for England. Later coached Spurs’ Under-21s. Suffered cardiac arrest at Spurs’ training ground and died two years ago.
Regarded by many as finest defender of his generation, he remains an iconic figure in Irish football. Battled alcohol addiction for years. Now settled in Ireland.