Guardiola is seeking a reprieve as ‘exhausted’ Man City face Salford again in the FA Cup

Manchester City are «physically and mentally exhausted» as they prepare to face Salford City in the FA Cup, but are looking forward to a short break from the grueling match after the fourth round, coach Pep Guardiola said on Friday.

With City now playing in four competitions, Guardiola’s side have not had more than four days’ rest between matches since the turn of the year, but they will finally have a week off after hosting the League Two side on Saturday.

«Our priority is to beat Salford and reach the next round. In this competition we have reached finals, finals and finals in recent years,» Guardiola told reporters.

«Unfortunately we couldn’t win the last two finals, but being there is always a success. I always think about that.»

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City lost in the final to Manchester United in 2024, having been defeated the year before, and Crystal Palace last year.

«Hopefully before this long week that we need, because we are so exhausted physically and mentally from this incredible number of games in many months, we can take a little break tomorrow after the game,» Guardiola added.

‘Nothing is self-evident’

City beat Salford 8-0 at home in the FA Cup third round last year but Guardiola said he was not taking anything for granted.

“Of course they are in League Two and of course we are playing at home, but I try to keep the players in mind that nothing is for granted and everything is difficult,” he said.

«Of course it can be easy afterwards, but we have to do our job. That’s why we have always been there in a tight competition in the FA Cup and ‌Carabao Cup (League Cup).

“We have always behaved very well, and tomorrow cannot be an exception.”

City have reached the final of this season’s League Cup and will take on Arsenal in the showpiece match at Wembley on March 22.

HAALAND Doubtful

City are concerned about striker Erling Haaland after the Premier League’s top scorer was substituted at half-time during the midweek win over Fulham due to fitness issues.

«Erling is not 100%. We will see how he feels today,» Guardiola said. «It’s not a big problem, the doctor told me. But he had some unrest during the match and that’s why he didn’t play in the second half.»

Guardiola also praised the January signing of Antoine Semenyo, who made a flying start with five goals and two assists. The Spanish manager said he had adjusted his system to get the best out of the Ghana winger.

«We have to adapt to the quality of players we have. We now only have one real winger in Antoine and have adapted the system to make the players comfortable,» he said.

Published on February 13, 2026