Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola appeared at a press conference to discuss tomorrow's match against Burnley in the sixth round of the Premier League.

The coach began by talking about Erling Haaland's readiness, stating: "Erling is in good shape, and he is ready to play tomorrow."

He added: "Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Marmoush, and Khasanov are not ready; Mateo Kovacic is improving and may be ready for tomorrow's match. Kovacic's return will help us; it was a long injury and surgery, but he is getting closer to being ready. He is not fully ready yet, but step by step."

He continued about Savinho: "For players in the front line, numbers – goals and assists – are always the most important. Savinho created a lot last season, but in the final third, at the crucial moment, he was acting a bit too quickly. But once he learns that – because he is still very young – the more he develops, he will become a world-class player, because he can play on both sides, has speed and work ethic. Savinho will make that leap; it will happen naturally, and he will be a big player for Manchester City."

Regarding Phil Foden: "Phil always takes responsibility. He has won everything since he started playing and training with us when he was 17 or 18 years old. The biggest example is after our match against Arsenal; everyone was exhausted and tired because he ran a lot and we defended a lot, but Phil said: 'I want to play again.' And that’s what happened when he came to us; he wants to play every day, and that’s a sign that he is ready. We all know what he can do, but I don’t want to put any pressure on him. His physical condition is excellent, and his mentality is ready, and he can play every few days. His performance against Huddersfield was very good indeed."

On the return of Burnley player Kyle Walker to the Etihad: "I’m sure everyone will be happy to see him. It has been an incredible few years for us, and he has been the right-back that has defined our era here over the past nine or ten years. I’m sure he will receive gratitude from our fans, and he deserves it completely; he is one of the greatest full-backs in history."

He concluded: "I know no one believes me, but I am very optimistic and positive about what will happen this season. We have a good atmosphere in the team, and we hope to continue tomorrow [against Burnley]..."