Pep Guardiola preps Manchester City for Carabao Cup clash with key squad updates

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola discussed the club's preparation for their Carabao Cup fourth-round match against Swansea City, emphasizing the importance of squad rotation and the cup's role in providing minutes for players needing game time. Guardiola confirmed that key players such as Erling Haaland would be rested due to injury concerns, while others like Rodri are gradually returning to training but are not yet ready to play. He highlighted the fitness and availability of players like Rayan Ait-Nouri and Abdukodir Khusanov, and praised Kalvin Phillips' positive influence in the locker room, though Phillips is unlikely to start. Guardiola also expressed his focus on improving all aspects of City's play, including set-piece defense, acknowledging the threat posed by teams like Arsenal and Spurs who have scored frequently from such situations. Additionally, he mentioned the 17-year-old Ryan McAidoo as a promising forward on the first-team radar and discussed the versatility of Omar Marmoush as a valuable attacking option alongside Haaland. Overall, Guardiola conveyed a balanced approach to managing injuries, squad depth, and tactical challenges as City pursue success in multiple competitions.