“The biggest rivals” – Pep Guardiola sends Liverpool warning to Manchester City squad ahead of FA Cup quarter-final
Guardiola cites Liverpool threat despite miserable title defence and poor run of recent formManchester City looking to book another visit to Wembley in search of FA Cup semi-final spotThe Blues are vy...
“The biggest rivals” – Pep Guardiola sends Liverpool warning to Manchester City squad ahead of FA Cup quarter-final Guardiola cites Liverpool threat despite miserable title defence and poor run of recent form Manchester City looking to book another visit to Wembley in search of FA Cup semi-final spot The Blues are vying for a domestic treble after going out of Europe against Real Madrid Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned his players of the threat posed by Arne Slot’s Liverpool ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final tie. The Blues are aiming to secure another Wembley date after recently tasting their first piece of silverware in two seasons, having beaten Premier League title rivals Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final last month to gain a huge psychological boost for the run-in. Ruben Dias is a fitness concern for this weekend’s cup tie after missing the Carabao Cup final with a hamstring injury.
John Stones is also a doubt after withdrawing from England duty in the recent international break with a calf injury. City are chasing a domestic treble in the final months of the season and every game is a must-win for Guardiola and co, who face Chelsea and Arsenal in succession in the Premier League after Saturday’s visit from the reigning English top-flight champions. Manchester City vs Liverpool (FA Cup Quarter-Final): Match Preview, Team News, Head to Head, How to Watch Pep: We have to perform like we did vs Arsenal on Saturday Speaking in a press conference on Friday afternoon, Guardiola extolled Liverpool ‘s virtues and highlighted the threat posed by the Reds.
“They (have) been the biggest, biggest one (rival over the course of Guardiola’s time as Manchester City manager),” the Catalan said. “A top contender, top class players, all of them – and we have to perform in the level we did (against Arsenal) to reach the next step. ” Manchester City lost significant ground in the title race in March after back-to-back draws against Nottingham Forest and West Ham allowed Arsenal to race clear at the top of the table.
The Blues also went out of the UEFA Champions League at the Round of 16 courtesy of a 5-1 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid , bowing out of Europe at the hands of Los Blancos for the third season running. I’d love an even busier schedule, says Pep On City’s schedule demands for the remainder of the campaign, Guardiola added: “I would love to have next week, in midweek, to be in the UEFA Champions League – and have a busy, busy schedule. Unfortunately we are out.