Follow live coverage as Chelsea face Middlesbrough in the EFL cup.
Manchester United won this competition last season – known as the Carabao Cup since 2017 – but it remains Liverpool who have the most triumphs in history, with nine to their name, one ahead of Man City.
While all 72 clubs from the football league enter from the first round, Premier League teams enter at the second or third round stage, the latter for clubs competing in Europe this season.
The final will be held at Wembley on 25 February, 2024, marking the first chance for both a trophy and a place in next season’s Uefa competitions.
Chelsea FC 6 – 1 Middlesbrough FC
Mauricio Pochettino admits Chelsea Mykhailo Mudryk was ‘too risky’ after Carabao Cup semi-final win vs Middlesbrough
Mauricio Pochettino admits Mykhailo Mudryk was playing ‘too risky’ after he was substituted at half time in Chelsea’s 6-1 win over Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi final on Tuesday evening.
Chelsea have booked their place at Wembley on February 25 where they will play either Fulham or Liverpool after a comprehensive victory over the Championship club at Stamford Bridge.
However, Mudryk struggled to impress in the first half and Chelsea’s £88.5 million signing lasted just 45 minutes as he was replaced by Noni Madueke at the break after picking up a yellow card.
Asked why Mudryk was subbed at half time, Pochettino said: ‘If you watch the game, he got a yellow card.
‘He got a yellow card and then there was an action at the end of the first half that was too risky, he nearly touched the opponent and got a second [yellow card], and we did not want to take a risk with him.’
Asked if his side had a problem with needless yellow cards during games, Pochettino said: ‘Yes, I think it was an unnecessary risk to have him on the pitch. That is why we changed it.’
Pochettino also believes Chelsea’s trip to Wembley next month will also help improve the mentality and confidence of his players.
‘Yes, I think this is really important for us, of course. We are going to have Fulham or Liverpool – two amazing teams, it is going to be difficult. But now we need to believe that we can win,’ Pochettino said.
‘But I think it’s important step for us because of the confidence and belief in ourselves and then that is going to help because of the motivation.