Behind the Scenes: Highlights from Manchester City’s Pre-Season Tour of the USA
During Manchester City’s recent two-and-a-half-week pre-season tour across the USA, several intriguing moments flew under the radar.
In the lead-up to City’s friendly against Barcelona, Pep Guardiola made a call to an old friend from their Four Seasons hotel in Disneyworld. This friend, now a Premier League rival, is none other than Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca. As Maresca strives to distance himself from his former mentor’s shadow, Guardiola and Maresca’s chat might have covered insights from their respective American tours.
When the two managers faced off at Ohio Stadium, Guardiola ardently defended Maresca’s tactics, despite Chelsea’s errors in playing out from the back that led to three City goals. Guardiola commented, “I want to tell you something… The pitch was a factor in Chelsea’s mistakes. Maresca’s team won’t make the same errors at Stamford Bridge on August 18.” Despite their new rivalry, Guardiola’s support for Maresca’s approach reflects their lasting friendship.
As Manchester City wrapped up their four-game US tour, Man City reporter Joe Bray provides a peek behind the curtain of their 17-day journey, revealing some lesser-known highlights.
North Carolina Goes Viral
In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, City’s arrival turned the sleepy town into a hive of activity, despite the evening storms that threatened the Celtic match kickoff. Oscar Bobb’s playful mention of Michael Jordan in his press conference sparked laughter, though Guardiola later corrected a local myth about Jordan’s time at the University of North Carolina. The visit also saw TikTok stars the Hulett Brothers uplift the squad’s spirits, with players and staff alike enjoying their energetic presence.
Erling Haaland and Kalvin Phillips received praise for their visit to a local children’s hospital, while Micah Hamilton and Luke Mbete engaged with young fans with learning disabilities. Haaland even had a lighthearted moment, attempting to get Maximo Perrone to conduct an interview, showcasing his playful side.
New York Glamour
In New York, the team stayed at Columbus Circle, with Jack Grealish’s fan interactions turning emotional for some supporters. The hotel also hosted famous guests like Ilkay Gundogan and Andre Agassi. During a training session in Central Park and another at the New York City Football Academy in Orangeburg, the squad mirrored their Manchester facilities. Guardiola, ever the entertainer, joked about New York’s high costs and engaged warmly with the local media.
At Yankee Stadium, City fans mingled with their counterparts from New York, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic and AC Milan were also in attendance. Guardiola exchanged jerseys with Haaland and had engaging moments with Christian Pulisic and other players. Despite a rain delay, Guardiola used the opportunity to catch up with former captain Ilkay Gundogan, keeping the tour’s camaraderie alive.
Orlando Adventures
City’s Orlando leg was filled with commercial activities and fun outings, including Haaland and Grealish’s visit to Universal Studios. Phillips joined local kids in a WWE-themed event, and Guardiola enjoyed a round of golf. Grealish faced the media post-Euros snub, and Guardiola had a warm chat with Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta.
The squad might return to Orlando next year for the Club World Cup, depending on the tournament’s venue decisions. With a record-setting match already in the books, City’s presence in Orlando could become a fixture.
A Near Miss in Columbus
As the tour wrapped up in Columbus, Guardiola was eager to return home, managing to avoid an awkward encounter with a local reporter who intended to test his football skills. The final match saw both teams’ fans and staff mingling in a sea of blue and navy. After the game, City flew back to Manchester, with Haaland humorously fixated on the flight’s interactive map. They likely crossed paths with Manchester United and Liverpool, who had also returned to Manchester around the same time.
City’s tour was a blend of high-energy activities, strategic encounters, and memorable interactions, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
