Fifth Round of the FA Cup!
During the training sessions in preparation for the FA Cup, Pires clearly overexerted himself. While practicing challenges, he twisted his ankle, leaving Mourinho at a loss for words. All he could do was comfort him in the medical room, advising him not to rush things and to take it slow. Many of the players in City were still young, leaving plenty of room for development—unlike many over the age of twenty-five, who found it hard to significantly change their skillsets no matter how much they trained.
The match was scheduled for the weekend, and during preparations, Mourinho included Okocha in the starting lineup for practice.
On the weekend, Maine Road Stadium continued to draw packed crowds, with Manchester City riding high on their momentum. The fans were eager to support their team.
