As Manchester City gear up to face Newcastle United in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, manager Pep Guardiola dismisses talk of another historic treble in favour of focusing on the task at hand.
City’s remarkable feat of clinching the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League trophies last season catapulted them into the annals of footballing greatness.
Now, with the prospect of defending all three titles looming, Guardiola is pragmatic in his assessment, choosing to address the immediate challenge posed by Newcastle United.
“The last two or three weeks of the season, I’ll think about that,” Guardiola remarked when asked about the possibility of securing another treble.
Despite the prospect of being the first team in English football history to win successive trebles, Guardiola remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of staying in the present moment.
“Now it’s about tomorrow’s quarter-final,” he added.
Pep Guardiola also mentioned he needs the home support to get behind the team going into today’s clash against Newcastle United.
"He's not ready for tomorrow"
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 15, 2024
Pep Guardiola says Kevin De Bruyne is out of tomorrow's FA Cup quarter-final against Newcastle but Jack Grealish is in contention to return 🔵 pic.twitter.com/MzNJzWxmDo
City’s pursuit of silverware this season extends beyond the FA Cup, with the Premier League title race finely poised and a tantalizing Champions League quarter-final showdown against Real Madrid on the horizon.
Injuries pose a challenge for Guardiola’s side, with influential playmaker Kevin De Bruyne nursing a groin problem and goalkeeper Ederson sidelined due to a leg injury sustained in the recent clash against Liverpool.
However, the potential return of midfielder Jack Grealish injects optimism into City’s lineup ahead of the Newcastle encounter.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United, under the guidance of Eddie Howe, are determined to seize the opportunity to cause a huge upset.
Despite their last semi-final appearance dating back to 2005, Newcastle harbour ambitions of a Wembley return, buoyed by their resilience and determination to progress in the competition.
“We’ll attack it and we’ll try to progress into the next round,” asserted Howe, reflecting Newcastle’s proactive approach and hunger for success.
As the stage is set for a compelling showdown at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola’s measured focus and Newcastle’s determined resolve promise to deliver an enthralling spectacle.
While the allure of a treble looms large, both sides are acutely aware that success hinges on navigating the challenges presented in the here and now.
