⏪ Guardiola, Slot, Amorim and others speak ahead of FA Cup weekend | OneFootball

The FA Cup takes centre stage this weekend with several exciting fourth round ties ahead. Hear what Pep Guardiola, Ruben Amorim, Arne Slot and others have to say.

That brings a close to our coverage of the press conferences ahead of the FA Cup fourth round!

The City manager is also well aware that Leyton Orient will pose a challenge to his side, particularly at a time when they are struggling for form.

Always we have problems away in this competition in the FA Cup or Carabao Cup against teams from the Championship, League One, League Two we struggle. Every game is an opportunity."

Pep Guardiola will be looking to bounce back from Sunday's 5-1 hammering at Arsenal, and he could have Rúben Dias, Nathan Aké and Jérémy Doku back in his squad.

All three are back in training, but the boss remained coy, saying: "Maybe some of them, we will see."

One player who will likely feature, and make his City debut, is new signing Nico González, and Guardiola is delighted with his arrival.

It’s a position that we were weak since the absence of Rodri. He’s a young player, 23 years-old and can play six or eight."

“He has physicality. He’s a strong boy. I know him from Barcelona and his father was working here. I’m really pleased for the club and looking ahead to the next years"

Daniel Farke was also on media duty yesterday ahead of his side's potentially red-hot tie with Millwall, and he's looking to balance cup and league action.

"We always rotate through a period like this, but are likely to rotate more than one or two positions. Rhythm may be affected by so many, but under these circumstances, against a good side, we want to go through."

While full of praise for Pep Guardiola, Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens is ready to try and shock the world.

"We want to make sure we put in a performance that's as enjoyable as we can possibly make it, make it uncomfortable and try to put the pressure on them."

Ange again cited injuries when discussing his side's poor form, and none will be back for the clash with Villa.

Vicario, Romero, Destiny, Van de Ven, Solanke, Odobert... I could go on and on. We had 10 senior players missing. If you take seven or eight key players from any team and you're playing the best team in the league at the best, I don't think you make judgements in these moments."

While Howe and Slot can prepare for a final, it's more pain for Spurs and their manager Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian is standing by his players, though.

I get the pile-on at the moment. It's really easy for people to stick their boots in and question the players - but I don't question. We were disappointed last night didn't go the way we wanted and we didn't perform at the levels - but that doesn't define this group of players in my eyes."

The manager Slot will face in the March 16 final, Eddie Howe, was also speaking ahead of his side's trip to Birmingham City, and he's looking forward to the challenge.

Arne Slot was quickly back on media duty after Thursday night's EFL Cup semi-final success, and provided an update on Trent Alexander-Arnold's fitness.

The Premier League leaders visit Plymouth Argyle on Sunday.

“No, I don’t think so yet. That’s going to be too early for him."

“Difficult to say [about the derby]. Like I said before, it’s not going to take months and not even weeks but that’s only three days after the Plymouth Argyle game, so let’s wait and see if he is available.

Maresca will be coming up against Fabian Hürzeler, who is under a bit of pressure after a poor run of form which culminated in a shambolic 7-0 loss at Nottingham Forest.

On the criticism coming his way, the 31-year-old said:

It is not my place to say if it is fair or not fair. In the end, it is about bouncing back, showing a reaction and don’t talk too much about the last game.

“Just work hard, give the fans the things they deserve. We all apologised after the (Forest) game. I apologised after the game for this performance and I do it again. But now it is about looking into the future. Now it is about sticking together.

“I think criticism is important for the development. But, in the end, we can only achieve things together. We need the fans at the Amex, we need them to support us. We need them as our 12th man. If they are there, we have more energy.

Is he ruing the decision not to keep João Félix? Apparently not.

Christopher Nkunku did stick around, and could be in line for a start at the Amex Stadium.

Enzo Maresca has also been talking ahead of Chelsea's trip to Brighton on Saturday night.

The Blues are facing a mini-injury crisis up front, despite having signed countless players over the last two-and-a-half years.

Amorim also spoke on the decision not to retain van Nistelrooy.

As for Ruben Amorim, he could really do with a win tonight, with United's cycle of boom and bust continuing with another home loss at the weekend.

The head coach is looking at the bigger picture, though.

"No, I think it’s a moment that is hard to turn things around in a few games. It’s going to be like that, really hard until the end of the season. Then we are taking that risk that you talk about because we want a different thing in our team and we want different profiles. That is my area. It was my decision to do that."

The other talking point from his press conference was the confirmation of the inclusion of two literal kids in his squad for Friday night's game.

"The FA Cup is also fantastic to add young players into my squad, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old. They're going to be part of the squad, on the bench, tomorrow.

"It's an occasion where these things can happen, opportunities for players. They have names! The 15-year-old is Jeremy Monga and the 16-year-old is Jakes Evans.

First up tonight is Manchester United's clash with Leicester City, which sees Ruud van Nistelrooy return to Old Trafford with the Foxes.

The United legend and recent interim will know better than anyone the strengths and weaknesses of the ailing giants, and said as much.

"We have prepared for them and I know the squad inside out.”

Hello and welcome to our coverage ahead of the weekend's FA Cup fourth round action.

We'll be sharing all the best bits from across the clubs.