After a long summer of internationals, the marathon that is the Premier League season begins today for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side know the road ahead as a 10-month marathon awaits. It is a road that the Premier League champions know well. But their chase for a fifth consecutive Premier League crown begins on 0 points as they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge later today in their opening Premier League game of the season.
Manchester City will face Chelsea with several key players underdone. The European Championships and the Copa America took centre stage this summer and Pep Guardiola’s side had a host of players star at the tournament. As a result of this City has a plethora of key players who will come into today’s game with only a week of training. Phil Foden, Kyle Walker and John Stones only returned to training this week. Rodri will miss today’s match as he recovers from his summer exploits with Spain. But despite this Manchester City will want to be at their best at Stamford Bridge.
READ MORE: Rodri will miss Manchester City’s opening game of the season against Chelsea.
Pep Guardiola knows the road that lies ahead for his team. Manchester City winning the past four Premier League titles means nothing as City embarks on a new campaign. He wants to see his team begin the marathon ahead as they intend to go on. Speaking before today’s game he told the media: “We start from zero, like everyone, and we will see if we want to conquer it. We will have to conquer it again because they are not going to give us the Premier League for the 24/25 season. You have to do it. I understand, because normally when people say that we are favourites, we have to accept it. When you have won four in a row and six in seven, it’s normal that we are favourites. We have to live with that. But I know what we have to do. Point by point must be won and of course, every season is more difficult.”
The marathon that is the 24/25 Premier League season begins today for Manchester City. After a hectic summer of football City’s chase to maintain their domestic dominance will see them take on a tricky foe in Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side. But as Pep Guardiola has said all week the circumstances surrounding his squad are no excuse for his team. They will be eager to begin the marathon with three points to start their chase for an unprecedented fifth consecutive Premier League crown in the right manner.
