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Published on 2024-07-29 14:15:00
Manchester City may face a slow start to their 2024/25 season, as they have suffered two narrow defeats in pre-season matches against Celtic and AC Milan in the United States. Manager Pep Guardiola is preparing his team for the upcoming campaign, but with limited first-team players available on the pre-season tour, he has issued a warning about potential slip-ups in the opening fixtures against Manchester United, Chelsea, and Ipswich.
Guardiola expressed concerns about the lack of player welfare from football governing bodies, citing the demanding schedule and short breaks given to players. Despite the challenges, Guardiola praised the Academy system and young players who are ready to step up if needed during the early stages of the season. The majority of City’s first-team stars are expected to return to pre-season training shortly before the season opener against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
It remains uncertain when City’s European Championship final stars Rodri, Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Phil Foden will rejoin the team, as their return largely depends on the players themselves. Guardiola emphasized the need for proper preparation and adaptation to the demanding schedule imposed by various competitions. Despite the potential challenges, Guardiola remains confident in his team’s ability to compete and urged fans to have patience during the early stages of the season.
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