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Published on 2024-01-25 22:30:00
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola recently spoke to the media ahead of Friday’s FA Cup fourth round match against Tottenham. The current FA Cup holders are set to travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in what is expected to be a thrilling match. Guardiola’s side has struggled in their previous five visits to the North London club, failing to secure a win or score any goals.
City earned their place in the fourth round with a dominant 5-0 victory over Huddersfield Town at the Etihad Stadium, with Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Jeremy Doku, and Oscar Bobb all finding the back of the net against the Championship side. In their recent Premier League encounter against Tottenham, City had to settle for a 3-3 draw, with Dejan Kulusevski scoring a late equalizer for the North London club.
Spurs, who are currently just three points behind Manchester City in the Premier League table, have welcomed back James Maddison ahead of the FA Cup tie. Additionally, there is a possibility of both John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne featuring for City in the upcoming match. However, star striker Erling Haaland’s fitness is not yet at the level required for competitive match action, despite returning to training during the team’s recent warm-weather training camp in Abu Dhabi.
Guardiola was asked about the team’s time in Abu Dhabi, to which he jokingly replied about his tan. He also confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne is ready to start and said that the time in Abu Dhabi was beneficial for the team. He expressed the importance of their sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, and the impact he has had on the club’s success. Guardiola also discussed Erling Haaland’s injury and emphasized the importance of allowing the striker enough time to recover before returning to action.
The manager also touched on their upcoming match against Tottenham, expressing his admiration for the opposition but also emphasizing the need for his team to perform well and score goals. Finally, Guardiola expressed his respect and friendship towards Begiristain, and the importance of their working relationship.
Guardiola’s comprehensive press conference gave insight into the team’s preparation for the upcoming FA Cup match and provided updates on key players’ fitness and status. The manager’s confidence and insight suggest that City will be well-prepared for what promises to be an exciting and competitive match against Tottenham.
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