Pep Guardiola, the master of Manchester City, is keeping uncertainty in the air regarding the participation of Erling Haaland and John Stones in the upcoming match against Salford City, scheduled for this Saturday, February 14, at the Etihad Stadium. The Spanish coach revealed that decisions about the two key players will only be made after today’s training session. The Citizens, who were defeated in last season’s FA Cup final, are determined to progress in the competition and secure a victory against their League Two neighbors.
Haaland, the Norwegian prodigy, was substituted at halftime in the recent match against Fulham, raising questions about his condition. “It’s not a big problem, the doctor told me. But he had some disturbances before and during the game, and that’s why he didn’t play in the second half. We’ll see how he evolves,” Guardiola commented, leaving the door open for his return. When asked about the possibility of Haaland playing on Saturday, the coach replied: “We will decide today.”
On the other hand, John Stones, who has not played since November, is making an effort to return after a long absence of 19 games. The England international was in the stands during Wednesday’s match against Fulham, and Guardiola expressed his hope regarding his return. “Yes, unfortunately, it has been a long time. The last time he played was against Leeds United [in November], but, fortunately, he has already had two or three training sessions. We will see tomorrow if he plays or how many minutes he can play,” said the coach.
Guardiola also spoke about the importance of the match against Salford City, emphasizing that the priority is to win and advance to the next stage of the competition. “What we have done in recent seasons is magnificent, reaching finals and semi-finals. Unfortunately, we have not managed to win the last two finals, but being there is always a success. I always think about that,” he stated. The coach also mentioned the need for a break, considering the physical and mental strain the team has faced due to an extensive match schedule.
Additionally, fans have the opportunity to attend the match without the need for membership, being able to purchase up to four tickets per person. Prices range from £17.50 for adults to £7.50 for children, making this event an excellent option for a family outing. Hospitality for this clash starts at £60, with various options available to suit all budgets. It is a perfect day to celebrate football and support Manchester City in its quest for more glory in the FA Cup.
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