Newcastle United have an almighty challenge on their hands at the Etihad.
But it was rather telling that head coach Eddie Howe only fielded a couple of questions on the prospect of the holders overturning a two-goal deficit in Wednesday night's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City.
This news conference was instead dominated by queries concerning a quiet mid-season window and the future of Sandro Tonali after the midfielder was linked with a move to Arsenal on deadline day.
Howe has since spoken to Tonali, and the Newcastle head coach made it clear on Tuesday that the Italian is "committed".
"There's certainly no intention from our side to lose Sandro at all," he said.
"He's such an integral player to what were doing. I think he's very happy here. He loves playing for Newcastle and loves representing the city."
Tonali said, himself, that he was "happy" at Newcastle, in November, but stressed it was "difficult" to think long term.
The midfielder's contract expires in 2029 and Newcastle have the option to trigger an additional 12-month extension, which puts the club in a strong position, not least after losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool a few months ago.
"Obviously in the summer we didn't have a sporting director, which massively impacted our way of working in terms of dealing with agents and dealing with that situation," Howe added.
"We were in a more vulnerable position than we are now. Ross [Wilson] has filled that position and is showing really good leadership dealing with transfers and all the things that entails.
"We are in a stronger position now to navigate those waters in a much calmer, clearer way."
