Wounded Chelsea give Pep reasons to be fearful

PEP GUARDIOLA hopes a Carabao Cup triumph can again act as a Manchester City springboard to greater accomplishments, yet tomorrow feels far more critical for beleaguered Maurizio Sarri. An unlikely Chelsea win would buy the Italian valuable time after six weeks of tumult, five defeats in 10 games, the universal unpicking of his philosophy and fan revolt. Guardiola cannot fathom the prospect of his friend’s sacking just months into the job and by extension the short-termism under Roman Abramovich. ‘I was surprised that when Antonio Conte won the title and they lost one or two games the following season, people started to say he was going to be sacked,’ the City manager said. ‘I said, “Wow, but two or three months ago they won the Premier League.” My opinion of Sarri and his teams is always high.’ Sarri boasts a better record as Chelsea boss than Guardiola managed at City in 2016-17. ‘The situation is different because in my first year the club never doubted me,’ Guardiola (right) said. ‘It was never in the media that I’d be sacked if they lose this game or the other game. ‘In the first season when it was difficult I said to the club that we needed time and they supported me. The players knew who the manager was and who would be the manager. It was stable, that’s the best way.’ While this competition is low on Guardiola’s list of priorities, City have the opportunity to retain a trophy for the first time. It is of more significance to Sarri, and City are wary of a backlash. City coaches Mikel Arteta and Rodolfo Borrell studied the 6-0 walloping a fortnight ago and agreed with Guardiola that the Chelsea performance was not as bad as the scoreline suggested. ‘Maybe people don’t believe me but Chelsea did incredible things,’ Guardiola said. ‘They are maybe one of the best teams in Europe. You have to be defensively consistent, the spaces to attack are minimal. The movement of Jorginho helps them make transitions. Then there are quality players: Eden Hazard, Willian, Pedro.’ Guardiola must decide whether to stick with Kosovo international goalkeeper Aro Muric, 20. He has conceded once in five first-team games but Ederson could be reinstated. Guardiola said: ‘We will see, I have to think about that. He has been incredible. We trust him.’ City defender Aymeric Laporte signed a two-year contract extension, taking his deal to 2025.