Manchester, Britain : Manchester City will bid to reach a record eighth consecutive semi-final of the FA Cup when they face Liverpool on Saturday, manager Pep Guardiola said.
City head into the clash on the back of their EFL Cup triumph over Arsenal, with Guardiola keen to maintain momentum as they chase further silverware.
“Tomorrow we have the chance to reach an incredible milestone, to make eight semi-finals in a row. It’s never happened… it is a prestigious competition, and one of the toughest,” Guardiola said.
Since Guardiola’s arrival in 2016, City have dominated English football, winning multiple Premier League titles along with domestic cups, but Liverpool have remained one of their toughest opponents.
Guardiola has managed only nine wins in 26 matches against Liverpool, his lowest win rate against any Premier League side, despite City beating them twice in the league this season, including a 2-1 victory at Anfield in February.
“So many times they have been the rival, the biggest one… top contender, top-class players,” he added.
The Spaniard also praised Mohamed Salah, who is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
“Absolutely one of the greatest. The numbers, the consistency. What a player… an absolute legend,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola declined to comment on speculation linking midfielder Rodri with a move to Real Madrid.
“No clue, no opinion… I know the intention of the club, I think of him, but I don’t know,” he said.
