Aitor Karanka says he is not surprised about Manchester City’s midweek exertions in Abu Dhabi and does not expect it to have any impact on today’s FA Cup tie.
City have attracted criticism after leaving themselves less than 24 hours to prepare for this afternoon’s clash.
The Premier League champions were not due to return to the UK until last night after five days of warm weather training and a friendly with Hamburg.
Their trip has raised concerns they have left themselves little time to recover for the fourth round tie, but Karanka played down any significance.
“They’re the sixth richest club in the world at the top of the Premier League, so they’re in demand and they have to do things like they have this week in Abu Dhabi,” Karanka said.
“Manchester United played a game in Dubai in early January and that’s not a problem (for them), and it’s not a problem for City because their players are used to playing regularly in the Champions League and with their countries.
“It would be great if City are thinking about their game against Chelsea next Saturday and not focusing on us, so he should put out an Under-21 squad.
“That would be perfect - but I don’t think it will happen.”
Defeat against Boro could leave City boss Manuel Pellegrini open to criticism - but speaking before the return flight, the Chilean was adamant he is taking the FA Cup seriously.
“We analysed this before we decided to come here. There is just four hours difference, which we gain so we don’t have any jet lag,” he said.
After winning the title and the Capital One Cup in his first season in England, Pellegrini just needs the FA Cup to complete a clean sweep of domestic honours.
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