soccer

Guardiola on Haaland injury, Silva and an 'exhausted' group

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup game against Salford City at Etihad Stadium (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Erling Haaland's fitness is to be assessed as he is "not 100%" but it is "not a big issue", despite him being withdrawn in the midweek victory over Fulham.
  • John Stones last played on 2 December in a 5-4 win at Fulham but after "two or three training sessions", Guardiola said: "We will see tomorrow if he plays or how many minutes he plays."
  • Guardiola says his "priority" is to beat Salford, adding his players are "so exhausted" and "we can have a break after tomorrow".
  • On facing the League Two side, he said: "I try to knuckle into the mind of the players that nothing is for granted and that everything is difficult."
  • Guardiola praised Bernardo Silva - who is out of contract ths summer - for leading by example, but says he has no clarity on what the midfielder's future holds and has asked him to inform him when there is clarity.
  • Guardiola was asked about controversial and widely criticised comments made by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe: "I have a huge appreciation for Sir Jim. He has apologised but I won't comment on what he had to say. We have a problem which all the countries have about treating people from other countries. We have no difference to where we have been born. I think everyone deserves a chance to have an opportunity for a better life. Sometimes those opportunities are where you are born, sometimes you have to travel. Because I am Catalan does not make me think I am better than you. I grew up and met incredibly nice people but don't make me feel bad for being from somewhere else. We need to embrace other cultures."

Listen to the match live on Sports Extra 3 here

Follow all of Friday's FA Cup news conferences

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