Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opposes Crystal Palace’s request to reschedule the League Cup quarter-final.
Arsenal have opposed Crystal Palace’s request to reschedule their League Cup quarter-final to December 23rd, with manager Mikel Arteta expressing concerns over the impact on player welfare and fixture congestion.
The match is currently set for December 16th, part of a tight schedule for Palace, who face Manchester City in the Premier League on December 14th, KuPS in the Conference League on December 18th, and return to league action on December 21st, away at Leeds.
Arteta emphasised that playing twice in barely 48 hours would be unfair for both teams, given the demanding schedule. Palace had argued for equal recovery time, as Arsenal host Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 13th, but Arteta countered that accommodating every team’s requests would be challenging.
The proposed December 23rd date was deemed unsuitable by Arsenal. Palace had initially considered a Christmas Eve game, but this was ruled out due to limited public transport services and concerns from authorities.
Arteta stressed that fixture congestion must be managed with fairness and player welfare in mind, warning that ignoring these principles could lead to clubs withdrawing from competitions. He emphasised the need for a balanced approach, prioritising the well-being of players and teams.
The League Cup quarter-final scheduling has sparked debate, highlighting the complexities of managing a congested football calendar. With multiple competitions and tight schedules, finding a fair solution is crucial for both teams and the organising bodies as well.
