Pep Guardiola warns Man City players to get international priorities right amid Haaland substitution

Pep Guardiola accepts he cannot control whether his Manchester City players play over the international break - but warned that they should remember they are only playing friendlies in the coming fortnight.

City booked an FA Cup semi-final with victory over Newcastle on Saturday, sending them into the March internationals still in contention for a double treble, and without defeat in their last 22 games. When they return, City take on Arsenal in a Premier League title showdown, have a tricky assignment against Aston Villa and a two-legged quarter-final against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

So Guardiola wants his players back in the best possible condition - and while he admits he cannot do anything about them representing their countries, he can remind them that there are more important games on the horizon.

ALSO READ: Man City player ratings vs Newcastle

ALSO READ: Kyle Walker backs up Pep Guardiola as Man City normalise brilliance

Guardiola brushed off concerns over heavy treatment towards Erling Haaland and his following substitution. Asked specifically about Haaland's upcoming involvement for Norway in two friendly games, Guardiola replied: "He is not my player anymore from now on, what they will decide will be fine.

"They know that they fought a lot and train a lot, a lot of adrenaline and concentration to arrive in this position. They know they are friendly games and they have to handle it wisely. Hopefully they can do it."

Meanwhile, Guardiola praised his side for their consistency in becoming the first team to reach six semi-finals in succession, saying the achievement 'defines' the club.

"Always we expect the best for the team, but after we won the treble, five titles, we are coming back for last