The Blues host the League One side at the Etihad this Saturday (15:00 kick-off UK) and though the boss admits he needs to rest one or two of his players and obviously has a number of injuries to contend with, he intends putting a strong XI out.
Asked if our clash with Exeter was an opportunity to make changes, Pep said: “A few, but not much. We have to come back to winning games. The FA Cup is the FA Cup.”
Any youngsters involved will have needed to impress Guardiola in training with ability and attitude key to catching the manager’s eye.
“I have to see who they are,” explained Pep.
“I don’t want to ask what they have to do; I want to see who they are. It’s not about just the skills; it’s about many things.
“Let me see. When I’m there and watching I will see. When I’m not good I have assistant coaches who do it, 6, 8 eyes who can see them.
“Antoine coming in - I have to see him; this is what it is and our job. You have to play, show me. It’s like the movie [Jerry Maguire] where they say: ‘show me the money!’”
Pep also said the best way his Academy players can learn and progress is playing senior football in front of big crowds, adding: “The only problem in the Academy is they play with ten people, this is the problem. With the same age.
“That’s why to grow up and be better, that’s not the way. It’s playing against Exeter, that’s the way in front of however many spectators, support unconditionally, guys who have a father with three kids at home, that’s the way you do it.
“The skills are there, that’s not the question, all the academies have it, there’s an incredible amount of English talent, but they grow up and don’t compete.
“That’s when you know it’s the right moment.”
