Manchester City’s midseason camp in Abu Dhabi can lay the foundation for their treble defence. With the world champions back in action this weekend against Tottenham in the FA Cup the players should be refreshed focused after a week of sun and training in Abu Dhabi.
The work done in Abu Dhabi should benefit Manchester City. A chance to work as a team and refine what they do well can never be passed up. Also, the opportunity to tidy up a few issues will be to Manchester City’s benefit. The champions have had some defensive issues to iron out while on their midseason camp. They were on show during their 3-2 Premier League win over Newcastle before the winter break.
There has also been the welcome news of Erling Haaland and John Stones returning to training in Abu Dhabi. Their returns will add more quality to Pep Guardiola’s lineup as the season hits a crucial period. Friday night’s game against Tottenham may be too soon for the pair to feature but their impending return is welcome news for the treble winners. With the fixtures set to come thick and fast next month Pep Guardiola will need all hands on deck.
Phil Foden is excited by the chance to attempt to defend their treble famously won last season. Speaking with the National he said: “It shows how far the club has come, now we’re favourites to try to do it again and it just shows the pressure on us. But being the team we are, we always want to try to achieve the best things and why not try and do it again?”
Manchester City will be hoping that the work they’ve done in Abu Dhabi can aid their treble defence.