City Eyes Five in a Row: Guardiola Demands Early Focus
Fresh off their historic fourth consecutive Premier League title, Manchester City are back in training under Pep Guardiola’s watchful eye. The manager’s message is clear: maintain focus and fight for a record-breaking fifth title.
Guardiola’s squad secured last season’s championship in a nail-biting final day victory. Since then, they’ve bolstered their attack with Brazilian winger Savinho, and pre-season training is already underway for some players.
While European Championship and Copa America participants enjoy a well-deserved break, others like Kalvin Phillips (returning from a West Ham loan), Erling Haaland, and Jack Grealish have reported for duty.
City kicks off their pre-season tour in the United States on July 23rd, playing four friendlies before returning for the Community Shield clash on August 10th. The reigning treble winners face a busy schedule across multiple competitions, and Guardiola is demanding immediate focus.
“Control yourself as best as possible,” he declared in the latest episode of ‘Inside City’. “Training sessions are crucial. Games come right away – the Community Shield, then the Premier League. We need everyone physically fit, but especially here,” he emphasized, tapping his head, “mentally ready. That’s where everything is controlled.”
The pre-season friendlies see City take on Celtic, AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea. Their Premier League title defense kicks off on August 18th with a challenging away fixture against Chelsea, now managed by former City coach Enzo Maresca. The stage is set for an exciting season. Can City defy the odds and claim a historic fifth consecutive Premier League title? Only time will tell.
