Manchester City left a lasting impression on New York during the second leg of their pre-season tour, with manager Pep Guardiola, along with stars Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland, stealing the spotlight.
As Guardiola enters the final year of his Manchester City contract, this trip to the United States might have the feel of a farewell tour. Returning to New York, a city where he enjoyed a sabbatical after his time at Barcelona, Guardiola fully immersed himself in City’s promotional activities. On Thursday, the team took over a bustling Manhattan block near Fifth Avenue, transforming it into a vibrant scene where Jack Grealish showed off his basketball skills before taking a turn as DJ at a downtown block party.
The event had a basketball theme, reflecting Guardiola’s friendship with Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. Over the summer, Guardiola attended a game in Boston and met with Mazzulla, who had previously visited Manchester in February. Mazzulla was also present in North Carolina to watch City’s opening friendly on Tuesday night, where he and Guardiola caught up in Chapel Hill.
Speaking at the PUMA block party, Guardiola shared insights into his tactical discussions with Mazzulla before a recent Celtics finals game. “We were privileged because a few days before the final it was nice to listen to the game plan,” Guardiola explained. “We talked about controlling aspects of the game. It was really nice. There are similarities between basketball and football – the highest competition brings out the best in every player. It was really cool to be there and listen.”
Reflecting on coaching, Guardiola said, “[Coaching] is easy, they are human beings – treat them normally. They have skills, play well, the rest they are normal. We’re together for 11 months, more than our family and friends.”
When questioned about his motivation to remain at the highest level, Guardiola offered a glimpse into his mindset. “If you love what you do, why should I stop?” he pondered. “I like it – as much as they hired me – so let’s go.”
Though Guardiola has not made a decision about his future, reports earlier this summer suggested he might leave at the end of the season. However, he now says he is refreshed after a much-needed summer break and is “really excited” for the upcoming season. “I’m really happy here,” he remarked, echoing sentiments from earlier in the week.
In New York, Guardiola, Grealish, and Haaland were major attractions, accompanied by young players showcasing the team’s new third kit. The maroon shirt, set for official release on Friday, was already a hit, with fans donning it around the city. Oscar Bobb had prematurely shared images of the kit on social media, which he later deleted, but the buzz had already caught on.
Some fans camped overnight to secure one of the 100 walk-in tickets for a signing session with Ederson and new signing Josko Gvardiol. By mid-morning, there were hundreds of Blues fans lined up to meet their heroes. Inside, American Football college star Jalen Milroe exchanged shirts with Gvardiol, and the two bonded over their experiences of playing at the top level while still in their early twenties.
During their four-day stay, City has planned several other promotional events in the Big Apple. Guardiola is scheduled to speak to the media on Friday evening before the team faces AC Milan at the iconic Yankee Stadium.
