Mikel Arteta: Arsenal boss says ‘brain takes me to place where we win title’

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he has no doubt Fulham will “do everything” to try to beat his side, despite having little to play for.

The Cottagers, who are 13th in the table, saw their motivation questioned after footage emerged this week of some Cottagers players flying a kite in training.

“I never met one player or manager who, when they start to play, wasn’t focused to win the game, never ever in my life,” said Guardiola.

“When they play in front of their fans, they want to perform well and will do everything to beat us, like we are going to do everything to beat them.”

Asked specifically about the kite video, he added: “On that I don’t know what you are talking about, I never saw anything.”

Arteta also played down its significance, saying the “power” of team bonding can lead to “amazing” results.

“I have been in teams where we have been struggling to win a game, and gone out for a meal or a night out and the next thing we have gone on an unbelievable run,” he said. “I am very positive that that is what is going to happen to Fulham.”

Guardiola confirmed he has a fully-fit squad to choose from, having had a full week to prepare for the game.

“I would have preferred to play the semi-finals of the Champions League, to be honest, but unfortunately we could not be there,” added Guardiola, whose side’s European defence was ended by Real Madrid in the last eight.

“But you never know, we adapt to what we have. When we have three days we adapt, when we have a long week we adapt.”