Khaberni - Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager, said on Friday that his team's players are "physically and mentally exhausted" ahead of their Saturday match against Salford City in the FA Cup, but he is looking forward to a brief break from the grueling match schedule after the fourth round game.
With City still competing on four fronts, Guardiola's team has not had more than four days rest between matches since the start of the year, but they will finally get a week of rest after hosting the fourth-tier team on Saturday.
Guardiola told reporters: "Our priority is to beat Salford and advance to the next round, we have reached the final of this tournament more than once in the past years".
He added: "Unfortunately we did not win in the last two finals, but getting there is always a success.. I always think about that".
City lost the final to Manchester United in 2024 after defeating their local rival the previous year, as well as losing to Crystal Palace last year.
The Spanish coach continued: "I hope we can get a bit of rest after Saturday's game, and before this long week that I think we need, as we are exhausted physically and mentally because of this huge number of matches over many months".
"Nothing is guaranteed"
Cityzens crushed Salford eight goals to none with their reserve team when they hosted them in the third round of the FA Cup last year, but Guardiola said he does not consider anything guaranteed.
He said: "Of course, Salford competes in the fourth tier and we are playing at home, but I try to instill in the players' minds that nothing is guaranteed, and everything is difficult".
He added: "It may become easier after that, but we have to do our job.. That's why we have always been present in the intense competition of the FA Cup and the League Cup".
He continued: "We have always performed very well, and tomorrow will be no exception".
City has reached the League Cup final this season, and will face Arsenal in the final match at Wembley on March 22.
Doubts about Haaland's participation
Manchester City is concerned about striker Erling Haaland after the English Premier League top scorer was substituted at halftime during the win over Fulham on Wednesday due to fitness concerns.
Guardiola said: "Erling is not at his best.. We'll see how he feels today, the doctor told me it's not a big issue, but he had some problems during the game, which is why he didn't play in the second half".
