Pep Guardiola stepped in front of the cameras on Tuesday with a calm face, but everyone watching could feel the weight on his shoulders. The Manchester City manager was speaking ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Newcastle United, a game that suddenly feels much bigger than just a place in a final. City are not only fighting an opponent in black and white, they are also fighting their own bodies, their own tired legs, and a long list of injuries that refuses to get shorter. Guardiola confirmed that Manchester City are currently dealing with seven injured players, and his words made it clear that this situation has been one of the hardest tests of his time at the club.
The press conference room was quiet as Guardiola began to speak. He did not raise his voice. He did not show anger. Instead, he spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully, almost like a man trying to protect his players from even more pressure. He admitted straight away that injuries have been a constant problem this season, and that preparing for such an important match without a full squad has not been easy. He explained that some players are close to returning, some are still far away, and others are in that dangerous middle space where one wrong move could make things worse.
Guardiola made it clear that the Carabao Cup is very important to Manchester City. It is not just another competition. It is a trophy they respect, a trophy that has been part of their success story in recent years. Reaching the semi-final is already an achievement, but Guardiola wants more. He wants his team to play in the final, to compete for silverware, and to keep that winning feeling alive. However, doing that with seven players injured means tough decisions, risks, and trust in players who may not be fully ready.
He started by talking about the players who are definitely out. Guardiola confirmed that a few of his key names will not be available for the Newcastle game. He did not go into every medical detail, but he explained enough for fans to understand the seriousness. Some injuries are muscular, some are related to fatigue, and others are longer-term problems that cannot be rushed. Guardiola repeated one message again and again: he will not risk a player if there is even a small chance of making the injury worse. For him, protecting the players comes before any trophy.
One of the biggest concerns Guardiola spoke about was the number of games the team has played. He said the calendar is very demanding and that players are human beings, not machines. He explained that playing every three days at the highest level takes a toll on the body. Training sessions have had to be adjusted, recovery has become just as important as tactics, and sometimes the best decision is to rest a player even if they desperately want to play. Guardiola said that some of his injured players actually begged him to let them feature, but he refused.
Guardiola then talked about the players who are close to returning. He said there are one or two players who are improving day by day and could be involved in the matchday squad, but only if everything goes perfectly in the final training session. He described these situations as “touch and go,” meaning the decision will be made very late. He explained that medical staff, fitness coaches, and himself all sit together to decide what is best. Sometimes a player feels good, but the data says otherwise, and Guardiola trusts the data.
The manager also spoke about the players who are still a long way from coming back. These are the ones who have been sidelined for weeks and are still not training with the group. Guardiola said these players are frustrated because they want to help the team, especially in big games like a semi-final. He admitted that it is hard for injured players to watch from the stands while their teammates fight on the pitch. However, he praised their attitude and professionalism, saying they are still supporting the team every day at training and in the dressing room.
When asked how the injuries affect his planning for the Newcastle game, Guardiola was honest. He said it changes everything. He said he has to think about who can play 90 minutes, who can only play 60, and who might only be able to come on as a substitute. He said tactical plans sometimes have to be simplified because you cannot ask a tired or recently injured player to do too much. Guardiola admitted that flexibility is key, and that his team must be ready to adapt during the match.
Guardiola also spoke about Newcastle United with great respect. He said they are a strong team, well organized, physical, and very dangerous, especially in cup competitions. He said Newcastle have players who can punish mistakes, and that Manchester City cannot afford to be careless. He explained that Newcastle will see City’s injury problems as an opportunity, and that is why focus and discipline are even more important. Guardiola said that even with injuries, City must play with courage and confidence.
The conversation then turned to the mental side of the injury crisis. Guardiola said injuries do not only affect the body, they affect the mind as well. He said players who remain fit sometimes feel extra pressure because they know the team needs them even more. He said this can lead to fear of injury or playing too safely. Guardiola said his job is to remove that fear and remind his players to trust themselves. He wants them to play freely, even in difficult circumstances.
Guardiola also highlighted the importance of the squad players during this period. He said this is the moment for players who do not always start to show their quality. He said he trusts every player in his squad and that this trust is not just words. He explained that young players and fringe players train every day at a very high level, and now they have a chance to prove themselves on a big stage. Guardiola said injuries, while painful, can also open doors.
He was asked if the injury list has changed the club’s goals for the season. Guardiola answered firmly that Manchester City never change their goals. He said the ambition remains the same, to compete in every competition and fight until the end. However, he admitted that the path becomes harder when so many players are unavailable. He said this is part of football, and that every team goes through moments like this. The difference, he said, is how you respond.
Guardiola then spoke about the medical team at the club. He praised their work and said they are doing everything possible to help players recover safely. He said modern football relies heavily on science, and that Manchester City invest a lot in keeping players fit. However, he admitted that injuries can never be completely avoided. He said sometimes bad luck plays a role, and sometimes the body simply says no.
The manager also touched on rotation and how injuries limit his options. He said he would love to rotate more, especially during busy periods, but injuries make that difficult. He explained that when players are missing, the same faces have to play again and again, which increases the risk of more injuries. It becomes a cycle that is hard to break. Guardiola said breaking this cycle is one of the biggest challenges for any manager.
As the press conference continued, Guardiola was asked about specific positions and whether some players might have to play out of position. He admitted that this is possible. He said he has players who are intelligent and flexible enough to adapt. However, he also said playing out of position can increase physical demands, so he has to be careful. Guardiola said he would rather slightly change the system than push a player into a role that could harm them.
Guardiola also mentioned the fans. He said he hopes the supporters understand the situation and continue to support the team. He said playing at home with the fans behind them can give players extra energy, especially when legs are heavy. He asked for patience and positivity, saying that the team will give everything on the pitch, even if not everything is perfect.
When the topic of young players came up again, Guardiola smiled. He said this is why the academy is so important. He said some young players are training with the first team and learning very fast. He did not confirm if any will start against Newcastle, but he hinted that they could be involved. Guardiola said throwing a young player into a semi-final is not easy, but sometimes football demands bravery.
Guardiola also spoke about leadership within the squad. He said when injuries hit, leaders must step up. He said experienced players must guide the others, communicate more, and keep standards high. He said leadership is not just about shouting, but about example. Training hard, recovering properly, and staying focused are all forms of leadership, according to Guardiola.
As the press conference moved toward its end, Guardiola returned to the main point. Seven injured players. Seven absences. Seven challenges. He said he cannot change this reality, so he must accept it and work with what he has. He said complaining does not help. Solutions help. He said football is about finding solutions under pressure, and this is one of those moments.
Guardiola made it clear that the Carabao Cup semi-final will be a test of character. He said tactics matter, quality matters, but mentality matters most. He said the players who step onto the pitch must believe that they can win, regardless of who is missing. He said belief can sometimes cover weaknesses and create strength.
He also reminded everyone that Manchester City have faced injury problems before and still found ways to succeed. He spoke about past seasons where key players were missing and others stepped up. He said these moments can bring a team closer together. Shared suffering can create stronger bonds, and those bonds can show on the pitch.
Guardiola ended the press conference by saying he is proud of his players. Injured or fit, he said they have shown commitment and professionalism. He said the season is long, and there will be ups and downs. This injury crisis is one of the downs, but it does not define the team. How they respond does.
As Manchester City prepare to face Newcastle United, there is uncertainty, but there is also determination. The injury list is long, the challenges are real, but the ambition remains strong. Guardiola’s words made it clear that while bodies may be hurting, spirits are not broken. The semi-final will not be easy, but Manchester City will walk into it with belief, trust, and the hope that sometimes, even with seven players missing, football can still reward courage and unity.
