Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he must "take care" of his players as parents do with their children, as his squad navigates a demanding run of fixtures.

Pep Guardiola (L), head coach of Manchester City talks with Erling Haaland during the group G match between Italy's Juventus FC and England's Manchester City at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the Camping World Stadium, Orlando, the United States, June 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

In the space of a week, City defeated Manchester United and Napoli before conceding a late equalizer against Arsenal on Sunday. Next, it faces League One side Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday, with injuries mounting.

"First comes the spirit we have shown this week and you have to take care of this like a father and mother takes care of their sons," Guardiola said. "We can be a stable team and step by step, when injured players come back, we will learn what we can do better. "Gigi (Gianluigi Donnarumma) will get better and James (Trafford) will get better and the team will grow."

Striker Erling Haaland, who came off in the 76th minute at Arsenal with a back problem, will not travel to West Yorkshire. However, Guardiola remains optimistic the Norwegian "will be fine" for Saturday's Premier League clash with Burnley.