Guardiola stresses parental care for Man City amid injury challenges

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola emphasized the importance of caring for his players' spirit and well-being like parents caring for their children amid a challenging fixture schedule. Despite a 1-1 draw at Arsenal where the team played defensively and had a record-low 32.8% possession, Guardiola praised his team's resilience and fighting spirit, marking an improvement from last season's struggles. The club faces injury concerns with key players like Erling Haaland sidelined for the upcoming Carabao Cup match against Huddersfield Town, though Guardiola remains optimistic about their return. Guardiola highlighted that the recent performances reflect a recovery of the core qualities that have historically defined his teams, stressing the need for continuous improvement and stability as injured players return. City's unbeaten run of three matches in all competitions, including wins against Manchester United and Napoli, provides a positive response after earlier defeats. Overall, Guardiola's approach balances tactical adjustments with a strong focus on player welfare and team spirit to navigate the demanding season ahead.