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Every word from Pep Guardiola on Rodri injury, Man City ticket prices and FA Cup semi-final
Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has spoken ahead of Saturday's FA Cup semi-final vs Southampton at Wembley
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Rodri
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City freeze ticket prices for 2026/27
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Rodri update
Rodri will sit out Manchester City's FA Cup semi-final with Southampton as the Blues look to have him fit for as many Premier League games as possible. The Spaniard was with the squad at Burnley in midweek despite not being in the squad but may not even return for the trip to Everton a week on Monday. For the second year in a row, Rodri came off injured in a home game with Arsenal. And while his issue last Sunday was far less serious, the struggle for the 29-year-old to work his way back to full fitness this season has left City anxious not to lose him again.
The concern at the club is that bringing Rodri back too early could see him ruled out of the final Premier League games as City look to beat Arsenal to the title. The Blues went top for the first time since August when they beat Burnley in midweek, but Arsenal can return there by beating Newcastle on Saturday while City are in FA Cup action.
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Tickets
Hats off to my chairman and CEO. This business, it does not work without the fans. Remember how it was in Covid without people in our stadium. Our club financially needs to have the resources to buy the best possible and continue to pay players but when the club can find another way, the situation in the world is difficult and not increasing the tickets means a lot. How special is this club. Tomorrow they will come back. The last two or three games at home, we can be there. I don't pay attention to other clubs, they can do what they want. Years and years and years ago the World Cup it was a celebration for the joy of football and travelling from other continents to see your country, everything was affordable. Modern times right? Everything is so expensive. I am not there so I don't know the reason why. Football is for the fans. They have to think about sponsors and all this other stuff because otherwise it won't be sustainable. Everybody knows it. But the fans are the key, the key for this business to go on.
Selection
It is easy because we have a lot except Ruben, Rodri and Josko. The rest are fit. Of course you think this is the last effort. We are ready to play 95 or extra time with players who have a lot of minutes in the legs. Tonight on the train, me and my staff we will have lots to discuss.
Rotation
The opponent is a question mark, the way we have to play. Arsenal game was so demanding, it is normal. Everyone was so tired, today they have to train. From here to the hotel. Tomorrow will be fantastic day. Many thoughts still in my mind and we will see tomorrow.
Focusing on the next game
We have a game tomorrow and then eight days to have a day off, to recover and make the last rush, the last sprint in the last five games or last six depending on tomorrow. Pretty sure everyone will be involved.
Stones start
Depends on the manager. That's for sure.
Rodri
He's better. Not taking risks. He won't play. I don't know if he will be back [before the Everton game]. Hopefully but we don't want to take risks because if he is injured he won't be around in the last few games which is so important.
Favourite Wembley moment
When Barcelona won the Champions League, that was really important. We have had a lot of good moments. Winning the FA Cup against United as well, to give us a chance to win the Treble before the final in Istanbul, it was good.
Squad
They are happy. The guys who don't play as much, not so much happy. We are just focusing on the game tomorrow. What we have to do for the selection, for the spirit, how we recover the players after two incredibly demanding games. Semi final is always tough.
FA Cup records
I am living day by day. Now is not about the numbers. I wouldn't wake up and think about what we have won and if we had won it would make that day happier. We now have an opportunity to play a semi final at Wembley again. We will try in a few weeks to reach the final.
Southampton
To knock out Fulham and Arsenal speaks for itself. They have a good rythmn. Great opportunity to get to the final.
Here we go!
Guardiola has arrived and the press conference shall begin shortly...
Still no sign
No sign of the main man just yet. Stay tuned as when he appears we will bring you everything he has to say.
Slight delay
Just a slight delay as we await Guardiola.
Moments away
We are not far away from Guardiola's press conference. We will bring you everything he has to say right here.
What's on the agenda?
Here is what we expect Guardiola to be asked this afternoon:
Rodri update
Title race
FA Cup ambitions
Respecting Southampton challenge
Trafford
30 minutes to go!
We are just half an hour away from the start of Guardiola's press conference. You can follow all the updates right here so stay tuned...
Trafford opens up on new City experience
Trafford admitted it has been a new experience for him after settling for a back-up role this season. Trafford rejoined the Blues from Burnley last summer with the expectation being he would eventually replace Ederson as the club's first-choice goalkeeper. However, before the end of the window, Gianluigi Donnarumma signed. Since then, the Italy international has been the club's first choice in the Premier League and Champions League. Meanwhile, Trafford has been starting FA Cup and Carabao Cup matches. Despite this, the England international has made 14 appearances this season with his 15th expected on Saturday at Wembley against Southampton.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Trafford said: "It has obviously been very up and down throughout the season because I haven't played too much and obviously I had a decision to make in the summer. Everyone always thinks when you make decisions [for] the best possible outcome and obviously it hasn't been the best possible outcome, but I have just tried to either improve every day and just try and stay positive, try and stay happy.
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City backed to overcome Southampton
Speaking to Betfair, Alan Shearer believes City will avoid a cup upset at Wembley tomorrow evening.
Southampton will make it tough. Pep will change it round and give a game to three or four of his players who haven't started on a regular basis. I watched Southampton in midweek, and obviously did the game against Arsenal at their place and they were really impressive then. They didn't win the game in midweek against Bristol City but went behind twice and came back for a draw. They are 20 games unbeaten; they will make it really difficult, but it would take a brave man to predict anything other than a Man City win.
Prize money on offer
While City cannot gain the same riches from the FA Cup as they do the Premier League or Champions League, there is still plenty of money on the line. If they win, they will bank £1.06m while a defeat will secure them £530,000.
Two hours to go!
We are just two hours away from the start of Guardiola's press conference. Stay tuned to see what he has to say.
Gallagher praises City chairman
Speaking to TNT Sports, Noel Gallagher admitted he was impressed when meeting City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. He explained:
I remember getting taken to meet Khaldoon [Al Mubarak], the chairman, early on at a game, and when I met him after 90 seconds, I was like this is one of the most impressive men I’ve ever met in football. He was so eloquent in what was about to happen and so realistic and focused. Everything that he said they were going to do they’ve done times 10.
Big occasion for Southampton
While there is a danger that these games become run of the mill for City, Saturday's opponents Southampton are ready for this big occasion. Some of their 1976 FA Cup winning team will be attendance and they will be introduced to the crowd before kick off. The Saints will also be wearing a special kit to commemorate 50 years since this achievement. The Blues cannot afford to underestimate their Championship opponents tomorrow.
Rosenior question to come?
Guardiola may be asked about Chelsea's sacking of Liam Rosenior this week. Rosenior lost 3-0 to Brighton on Tuesday night, a result that sealed his fate. He also lost 3-0 to Guardiola's City a couple of weeks ago. While their rivals have jumped from manager to manager, City have had stability which has undoubtedly aided their success.
Trafford's penultimate appearance of the season?
Barring injury, you would expect Trafford to start the semi-final against Southampton tomorrow. Were City to win, that would be the penultimate appearance of the season for Trafford who has impressed despite his limited appearances. What comes next for Trafford after this campaign remains to be seen. Guardiola would love to keep him but he will know a player of his quality will want more regular football. If City can offer that remains to be seen.
Trafford on Donnarumma friendship
Speaking ahead of the semi-final, City's second choice goalkeeper Trafford has spoken about his friendship with Donnarumma despite the pair competing for the No.1 spot.
Yeah, we have a great relationship, he's a great lad, he's friendly, he's lovely, and we both get along really well, we're good mates.
Ref watch
The referee for Saturday's FA Cup semi-final will be Craig Pawson. Pawson last took charge of City in their 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. That game was marred in the final stages when the Blues were denied a third goal by the referee and his VAR team. Instead, a red card was awarded to Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai. He was also the man in the middle for the thrilling 5-4 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
City and Southampton's FA Cup journey so far
Here's is how City and Southampton have advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals...
Third round
Doncaster Rovers 2-3 Southampton
Manchester City 10-1 Exeter City
Fourth round
Southampton 2-1 Leicester City
Manchester City 2-0 Salford City
Fifth round
Newcastle United 1-3 Manchester City
Fulham 0-1 Southampton
Quarter-finals
Manchester City 4-0 Liverpool
Southampton 2-1 Arsenal
Big shoes for Anderson to fill
If Anderson does join City in the summer, he will have big shoes to fill. Bernardo Silva has announced he will be leaving at the end of the campaign and the captain has shown his quality in recent weeks. Anderson has done well for Forest, particularly considering their lowly Premier League position. But, battling for titles week in, week out, is a different pressure entirely.
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