With City competing in four tournaments, Guardiola’s team hasn’t enjoyed more than four days of rest between matches since the start of the year, but they will finally get a week off after playing against the League Two (fourth-tier) team on Saturday.
Manchester City feels “physically and mentally drained” while getting ready to play Salford City in the FA Cup, but is eager for a short break from its demanding schedule following the fourth-round match, coach Pep Guardiola stated on Friday.
Guardiola looks for relief as ‘fatigued’ Man City meets Salford in FA Cup once more.
As City competes in four tournaments, Guardiola’s team hasn’t enjoyed more than four days of rest between matches since the start of the year, but it will finally get a week to rest after playing the League Two (fourth-tier) team on Saturday.
“Our main focus is overcoming Salford and advancing to the next stage.” “In this competition, we have been making it to the finals repeatedly over the past few years,” Guardiola informed the press.
“Regrettably, we were unable to triumph in the last two finals, yet simply reaching them is always an achievement.” “I constantly reflect on that.”
City was defeated by Manchester United in the 2024 final, after having triumphed over them the previous year and Crystal Palace the year before that.
“Let’s hope that before this long week we need, as we are incredibly exhausted both physically and mentally from this immense number of games over several months, we can have a brief respite after tomorrow’s match,” Guardiola remarked.
‘NOTHING SHOULD BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED’
City defeated Salford 8-0 with a reserve team at home in the FA Cup third round last year, but Guardiola stated he wasn’t assuming anything.
“Certainly, they are in League Two and we are at home, but I attempt to instill in the players that nothing should be taken for granted and that everything is challenging,” he remarked.
“Certainly, it might become simple later on, but we need to fulfill our responsibilities.” That’s why in fierce contests in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup (League Cup), we have consistently been present.
“We have consistently acted very, very well, and tomorrow must not differ.”
City has made it to this season’s League Cup final and will compete against Arsenal in the main event at Wembley on March 22.
HAALAND UNCERTAIN
City is worried about striker Erling Haaland after the Premier League’s leading scorer was taken off at halftime during its midweek win against Fulham because of fitness issues.
“Erling is not at full capacity.” “Today we will observe how he is feeling,” Guardiola stated. “The doctor told me it’s not a major problem.” However, he experienced some issues during the match, which is why he did not participate in the second half.
Guardiola expressed admiration for January acquisition Antoine Semenyo, who has made an immediate impact with five goals and two assists. The Spanish coach mentioned he adjusted his system to maximize the potential of the Ghanaian winger.
“We must adjust to the caliber of the players we possess.” “We currently have only one genuine winger in Antoine and have adjusted the system to ensure the players feel comfortable,” he stated.
