Manchester City have returned to Manchester to continue their preparations for the new season following their pre-season tour of Asia. There were several lessons learnt over the three games the champions played in Japan and Korea.
There is a plethora of candidates for midfield places.
Spots will be at a premium in the centre of midfield for the treble winners. It appears to be an asset for City as they attempt to defend their treble of titles from last season.
Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis and Phil Foden all impressed in midfield. They all look to have staked their claims for spots in Pep Guardiola’s midfield rotation with their performances during the friendlies against Yokohama F.Marinos, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.
Such a good chance there from @PhilFoden! 😨
Watch now (excluding Korea) 👇
CITY+ ▶️ https://t.co/3k8EHQjyrC@RecastTV ▶️ https://t.co/GijhPYXenC🔵 0-0 🔴 | #ManCity pic.twitter.com/PMWOYQahxh
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 30, 2023
With Ilkay Gundogan having left the club, the champions aren’t short of quality options ready to replace the departed skipper.
Julian Alvarez looks set for a bigger role this season.
City’s World Cup winner appears primed for a bigger role this upcoming season. Whilst only being friendlies, and minutes into players’ legs the priority, Julian Alvarez started all three games for Pep Guardiola.
The Argentinean looks set to feature more prominently this season. After an impressive debut season, it appears that Alvarez is set to take the next step this season.
Fox in the box! 💨 pic.twitter.com/BzvGNblQCW
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 23, 2023
With Riyad Mahrez having left the club, the young striker’s performances in Asia show he is ready and capable of a bigger role this season.
City appears hungry to contend on all fronts this season.
After last season’s historical season, it would have been natural for the City players to be content with their trophy haul from last season.
Signs from the pre-season games are that Pep Guardiola’s squad are hungry to go again in the 23/24 season. The pressing and passing, all hallmarks of Pep’s side look on point as the new season looms.
The boss! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/On8vRh2dnr
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 31, 2023
It would appear the champions are ready for the challenges that await. If Pep’s squad continue to build on their solid pre-season form to start the new season, they’ll be well placed to begin the campaign as they mean to finish.
Summary
With the pre-season in the books, it would appear Guardiola’s squad are poised and ready for serious football beginning this weekend.
An intense pre-season tour has shown that the champions are ready for what lies ahead this season.
