“Break the chain”- Premier League boss makes Covid-19 plea putting Chelsea’s Carabao Cup game in doubt

Brentford boss Thomas Frank calls for Carabao Cup fixture against Chelsea to be cancelled amidst Covid-19 concern

Speaking in a press conference, as quoted by Sky Sports, Brentford manager Thomas Frank has called for the upcoming Carabao Cup game against Chelsea to be cancelled amidst the Covid-19 concern.

The Blues are set to face the Bees on Wednesday night at the Community Stadium. However, this game could now be in serious doubt after the Covid-19 outbreak at several clubs. Brentford have already had their game against Manchester United postponed in mid-week.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank calls for Carabao Cup fixture against Chelsea to be cancelled amidst Covid-19 concern.  (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has urged to cancel the upcoming round of the Premier League games and the Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea.. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

But the newly-promoted side are in line to host Southampton on Saturday before hosting the men in blue a few days later. Frank has now urged the decision-makers to cancel the upcoming Premier League clash and also the Carabao Cup tie.

The Danish boss believes that the chain of transmission could be broken if everybody gets a break for the next four to five days. While it remains to be seen if that is true, it does not help anyone to keep the games going as the cases continue to rise.

“We think we should postpone the full round of Premier League games this weekend…To postpone this round and also the Carabao Cup round would give everyone a week at least, or four or five days to clean and do everything at the training ground so everything is clean and you break the chain.

“I think we can do a lot by closing down training grounds for three, four or five days. And then we can go again.”

Thomas has a point

As much as it would bother the Blues to postpone a game, given their already congested fixture schedule, the spread of the disease is a much bigger concern. Several games have already been called off in the last week. Many more could follow suit in the coming days.

The Premier League currently has no proper basis to delay a game. There could be four or five tests, and the match could go ahead while two positive tests could see it called off. Every match is being looked at individually rather than setting a criterion.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank calls for Carabao Cup fixture against Chelsea to be cancelled amidst Covid-19 concern. (imago Images)
Chelsea are yet to appeal to postpone any of their games due to Covid-19 concerns. (imago Images)

Similarly, our game against Brentford shall be assessed by looking at the situation once the match draws near. But regardless of when it is held, this is a good chance for Thomas Tuchel and co to garner some early season silverware. Even more so, with reigning champions Man City already out of the competition.

But then safety comes first and the Brentford boss’s words should not be dismissed out of hand.

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However, only time will tell whether the game on Wednesday shall be allowed to go ahead. The Blues now need to focus on defeating Everton before travelling to the Molineux and facing an inconsistent Wolves side.