Every word from Pep Guardiola ahead of Tottenham vs Man City FA Cup fixture

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke to the media ahead of Friday night's FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur.

It was the first time that the boss had answered questions from the press since the win at Newcastle, as the Blues had embarked on their winter break which included a training camp in Abu Dhabi. There they were hopeful that injured stars Erling Haaland and John Stones would be able to work their way back to fitness in readiness for tomorrow's fourth-round tie at north London, and the title run-in.

Guardiola was asked about their currently fitness status, Kalvin Phillips' imminent loan move to West Ham, Omar Berrada's shock move to Manchester United and UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin's controversial comment about the Premier League charges faced by the club. Here's everything he had to say ...

ALSO READ: City issue injury update on Haaland, Stones and Ederson

ALSO READ: City confirm Echeverri transfer

The club tell me still is not done but he travelled yesterday to make a medical test, but it is not completely done. It is going to be a loan for six months and hopefully he can play the minutes he deserves and I couldn’t give to him.

It is what it is. I wish him [well]. I said many times, an exceptional human being and a football player otherwise he wouldn’t be in the national team. Hopefully he can improve what it is.

He is on the verge of coming back. Tomorrow he is not ready but he is close. Training camp was good, he trained some sessions, the last few days here he trained, but it is not perfect and we will wait a little bit more.

Manuel [Akanji] is out and John [Stones] is coming back into the team selection.

He is okay

The club inform me a few minutes ago that it is done, so congratulations to