Arteta: FA Cup tougher than ever

Mikel Arteta has hailed the importance and toughness of the FA Cup.

“I think it is, a lot of clubs used to use this competition to give opportunities to young players or change their squads,” Guardiola’s former assistant said.

“Look at the semi-finals, look how much players are rotating, look how much everyone wants to win a title.

“The big clubs know how difficult it is to win the Premier League and the Champions League. They need titles and they throw everything at this competition.

“Now it is even more difficult to win it than before.”

“You’re asking me if I wanted to play, after two months, with a break, like Man City right now?” he asked, with slight incredulity.

“Look back at the issues we’ve had with a lot of players, with injuries, suspensions, players out.

“It’s impossible. I need to adapt, I need to win football games and find ways to do that.

“My long-term situation, how we want to play, is very clear.”

“Every game since I joined was a final, it was crucial,” he added.

“We have to climb on the table to have the option that we have now to get into Europe through the Premier League, and now through the FA Cup.” 

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