Pep Guardiola's Praise for Silva Amidst Transfer Speculation

Guardiola's warning, Man City must stay focused vs Salford

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola warns his team to stay focused against Salford City in the FA Cup.

“My priority is to beat Salford and get to the next round...”

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is gearing up for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Salford City, admitting his team is “exhausted physically and mentally” due to a packed fixture list. City has been competing in four competitions and hasn't had more than four days of rest between games since the start of the year.

Guardiola emphasized the importance of progressing in the FA Cup, saying, “Our priority is beating Salford and going to the next round. In this competition, over the last years, (we have been) reaching finals, finals and finals.” He's also concerned about Erling Haaland's fitness, as the striker was substituted at halftime in City's midweek win over Fulham.

Guardiola praised January signing Antoine Semenyo, who has scored five goals and provided two assists, and has tweaked his system to get the best out of the Ghana winger. The match is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. GMT at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola's management, has consistently performed well in competitions, reaching the semi-final stage in eight of the last nine seasons. This impressive streak showcases the team's strength and Guardiola's tactical prowess.

Under Pep Guardiola's management, Manchester City has consistently performed well in the FA Cup, reaching at least the semi-final stage in eight of the last nine seasons. This impressive streak showcases the team's strength and Guardiola's tactical prowess, as they aim to progress further in the competition.

Erling Haaland is unlikely to start against Salford, with Pep Guardiola likely to give him a breather. City could turn to Omar Marmoush, who impressed in a recent Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham.

“Erling is not 100 per cent. We will see today how he feels. It is not a big issue the doctor said to me, but he had some disturbance during the game and that's why he didn't play in the second half. 

“We will see today (if he will be involved tomorrow).”

On John Stones: “The last game he played was against Leeds. We will see tomorrow if he plays.”

Man City Must Stay Focused to Beat Salford.

Manchester City must stay focused to advance in the FA Cup, as Salford City poses a tough challenge. Pep Guardiola emphasizes vigilance, saying “nothing is for granted” and his team must do their job to progress.

“My priority is to beat Salford and get to the next round. Unfortunately, we could not win the last two finals. We are exhausted, and we can have a break after tomorrow. 

“Of course, they are in League Two, and we play at home. We can take nothing for granted, we have to do a job. Always we have to be really good.” 

Bernardo Silva's future is uncertain, with links to a summer move. Pep Guardiola quickly shut down speculation, praising the midfielder's achievements and saying he's focused on the present. “He's done everything here, he's won everything,” Guardiola said.

Pep Guardiola says we will "have a better society" if we embrace other cultures 🫶 pic.twitter.com/e4Zgdn10kQ

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 13, 2026

“He can talk but he leads by example. Anyone in the dressing room cannot deny that. I have no idea about the future. I told him when he has an idea he should come and tell me. Until then, I don't know.”