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Brentford manager Thomas Frank has called for a complete overhaul of the Carabao Cup, arguing that the competition has become “boring and predictable” due to its congested schedule, lack of balance, and the dominance of top Premier League clubs.
Speaking after his side’s midweek defeat, the Danish coach joined a growing list of managers demanding a revamp of England’s secondary domestic cup competition, insisting that the League Cup’s format no longer excites players, fans, or even the clubs themselves.
His comments come just days after Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou also criticized the Carabao Cup’s structure, saying that fixture congestion and uneven rest periods are turning what should be an exciting tournament into a “drain on player fitness.”
Thomas Frank: “The Magic Is Gone”
Frank didn’t hold back when discussing his frustrations. Speaking to reporters, he said:
“I love English football — the intensity, the passion, the traditions — but I think the Carabao Cup has lost a bit of its magic. It feels like we play it just because it’s there, not because we truly believe it adds something special anymore.”
The Brentford boss went on to highlight how fixture overload has impacted smaller clubs, forcing managers to choose between fielding a strong lineup or prioritizing league survival.
“You see many clubs like ours forced to rotate heavily because of injuries and the tight schedule. When you do that, you lose competitiveness. And when the big clubs win it every season, it becomes predictable — it’s boring.”
Frank’s comments reflect a broader fatigue across English football, as many managers and analysts argue that the Carabao Cup no longer holds the same prestige it once did.
Ange Postecoglou Echoes the Sentiment
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou recently echoed similar frustrations. Following Spurs’ exit from the competition, the Australian coach said the format doesn’t make sense for clubs competing in multiple tournaments.
“I’m all for competition, but when you look at the schedule — the travel, the lack of rest, the injuries — it’s not fair. The Carabao Cup feels like an unnecessary burden at times. The Premier League and Europe already demand so much,” Postecoglou stated.
The Spurs boss, known for his straight-talking approach, went as far as calling the early rounds “boring fixtures that fans barely care about”, suggesting the EFL must find a way to make the cup more appealing and meaningful.
A Call for Radical Reform
Frank proposed a few bold ideas — including removing two-legged semifinals, replacing early rounds with a seeded knockout, or even restricting entry for teams playing in Europe.
“If we want to keep the competition alive, we need to make it special again,” Frank added. “Maybe reduce the number of games, or make it regional in the early rounds so fans can travel easier and we get more local derbies. We need to think creatively.”
The Brentford boss also suggested the possibility of awarding European qualification incentives to make the cup more desirable.
“Imagine if winning the Carabao Cup meant automatic entry to the Europa League or Europa Conference. Then every club would take it seriously again,” he said.
Fans React: Divided Opinions Online
As expected, fans took to social media to share their thoughts — and the football community seems split.
Many agree that the Carabao Cup has lost its spark, with one fan posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“Frank is right. The Carabao Cup feels like a distraction more than a trophy now. Unless you’re in the final, no one really cares.”
Others, however, argue that the competition still holds historical value, especially for smaller clubs hoping for a rare shot at silverware.
“Tell that to clubs like Sunderland or Middlesbrough fans who dream of a Wembley trip,” another supporter countered. “It still means something to those outside the top six.”
Despite differing opinions, the general consensus online is that the tournament needs modernization to stay relevant in the modern football era.
The Carabao Cup’s Declining Appeal
The League Cup, established in 1960, was once viewed as a prestigious domestic trophy. But in recent decades, it has struggled to compete for relevance alongside the FA Cup and major European competitions.
Since Manchester City and Liverpool have dominated the competition in recent years, many fans claim it has become too predictable. City, in particular, have won the trophy six times since 2014, further fueling arguments that only financially strong teams can truly compete for it.
Television viewership and matchday attendances have also fluctuated, especially in early rounds where top clubs field weakened squads.
EFL’s Response to the Criticism
In response to the ongoing debate, an EFL spokesperson recently stated that the organization remains committed to maintaining the competition’s heritage while exploring “innovative ways to increase engagement.”
The spokesperson said:
“The Carabao Cup remains a vital part of the football calendar, providing opportunities for clubs across all levels to compete for silverware and generate important revenue. However, we acknowledge the need to evolve with the modern game.”
Insiders suggest that discussions about potential restructuring could be on the agenda when EFL and Premier League representatives meet later this season.
Frank and Postecoglou: Managers Who Dare to Speak Out
What makes the comments from Frank and Postecoglou stand out is their willingness to challenge tradition — something not many Premier League managers openly do.
Frank, in particular, has built a reputation as one of the league’s most thoughtful tacticians, often raising issues about fixture congestion, player welfare, and fair competition. Postecoglou, meanwhile, has earned praise for his honesty and progressive ideas about modernizing football systems.
Their shared criticism of the Carabao Cup may just be the push the EFL needs to start rethinking the tournament’s purpose in an already overcrowded football calendar.
What Could the Future Hold?
If reform does happen, expect to see discussions about:
- Scrapping replays or two-legged ties
- Scheduling matches outside of midweek congestion periods
- Rebranding the competition for global appeal
- Introducing financial or European incentives for winners
- Expanding fan engagement through new broadcasting formats
Such changes could breathe life back into a competition that, while historic, risks fading into irrelevance in today’s game.
Final Thoughts
Thomas Frank’s call for a Carabao Cup revamp isn’t just a complaint — it’s a wake-up call for English football. With fixture overload, lack of fan enthusiasm, and predictable outcomes, the tournament’s future looks uncertain unless decisive action is taken.
Whether the EFL listens remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — football’s evolving world demands innovation, and voices like Frank’s and Postecoglou’s might be exactly what’s needed to drive change.
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