Pep Guardiola is not a man often associated with sporting regrets, but one recent team selection has played on his mind for weeks. The Manchester City manager pinpointed a lack of on-pitch leadership as a critical factor in their surprise defeat to Bayer Leverkusen three weeks ago, a mistake he was determined not to repeat.
The 'Father Figure' Conundrum Explained
In the build-up to Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Brentford, Guardiola revisited his post-Leverkusen analysis. He admitted that making 10 changes for that Champions League dead rubber had left his side without a crucial "father figure" – a player whose influence and composure could steady the ship. This was not about age, he clarified, but about the innate trust teammates place in certain individuals to organise and cajole.
This introspection seemed to shape his approach at the Etihad Stadium. While he again rotated heavily, resting Erling Haaland and others ahead of the weekend, the inclusion of 22-year-old Rayan Cherki proved inspired. The French summer signing, a relative newcomer with just his tenth start, embodied that calming influence Guardiola craved.
Rayan Cherki: The £31 Million Masterstroke
Cherki didn't just provide stability; he produced a moment of pure magic to break the deadlock. In the 32nd minute, he collected the ball, cut inside with devastating ease – sending Brentford's Mikkel Damsgaard sliding comically out of the picture – and unleashed a stunning right-footed strike into the top corner from outside the box.
The goal, a breathtaking piece of skill in the Manchester rain, underlined why many are calling his £31 million transfer fee the steal of the year. His presence acted as a "safety blanket" for City's altered lineup, with teammates instinctively looking to him when in doubt. He was one of only four players retained from the previous win at Crystal Palace.
Brentford's Resistance and City's Control
Brentford, with one major semi-final appearance in their history, offered limited threat. City's high defensive line, marshalled by the pace of Abdukodir Khusanov, repeatedly caught their attackers offside in a VAR-less Carabao Cup encounter. The visitors' best chance fell to Kevin Schade, but Khusanov's foul only resulted in a yellow card, much to the annoyance of Brentford boss Keith Andrews.
The only sour note for Guardiola was an early injury to winger Oscar Bobb, who was forced off after just 19 minutes and replaced by Phil Foden. Goalkeeper James Trafford, whom Guardiola wants to keep in January, made a couple of smart saves, while Rico Lewis and Nico Gonzalez provided assured performances.
Savinho Seals the Deal and a Winning Streak
The tie was put beyond doubt after the hour mark. Brazilian winger Savinho, whose performances have impressed Guardiola recently after a frustrating display at Fulham, drove menacingly at goal and saw a deflected shot loop over goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson. It was his first goal against top-flight opposition since the Club World Cup.
The 2-0 victory books Manchester City's place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2021. More significantly, it marks a sixth consecutive win for the club – their best run since they clinched the Premier League title 18 months ago. Guardiola, far more zen than in the wake of the Leverkusen loss, saw his pointed messaging about responsibility and fearlessness pay off.
