“Top team and……” Pep Guardiola shares his thought about Celtic and what he is afraid of playing against them

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is gearing up for the club’s pre-season tour in the USA, with a focus on assessing the progress of young Academy players and avoiding injuries. The English champions will face Celtic, AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea in a series of friendlies, providing valuable experience for emerging talents.

In a press conference, Guardiola emphasized the importance of injury-free performances, stating, “No injuries. That would be a big success we can have. We don’t come here for the four trophies, we come here to have no injuries, to step up where we are.” He also highlighted the opportunity for young players to gain experience against top teams like Celtic, describing them as a “top team in Scotland.”

Guardiola expressed his enthusiasm for evaluating James McAtee, who has returned from a loan spell at Sheffield United. He praised McAtee’s abilities, saying, “He’s a special guy who can play in space in the pockets. I think he grew up in terms of physicality and mentality, when you play in the Premier League fighting for relegation you get something special.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers shares similar goals for the pre-season tour, aiming to avoid injuries, compete well, and step up the intensity of preparations. Rodgers has also brought a raft of young Academy players on the trip, providing them with valuable game time and experience.

The match against Manchester City will be a significant test for Celtic, who are further along in their pre-season preparations. Rodgers is expected to field a mix of established regulars and young players, providing opportunities for all to gain experience and impress.

As both teams prepare for the new season, the USA tour offers a chance to fine-tune their squads and build momentum. With Guardiola and Rodgers sharing similar objectives, the friendlies promise to be competitive and insightful, providing a glimpse into the teams’ potential for the upcoming campaign.

In addition to McAtee, Guardiola will be assessing other young talents, including those who have impressed in the Academy. The tour offers a platform for these players to demonstrate their abilities and potentially stake a claim for a place in the senior squad.

Manchester City’s pre-season tour is a crucial phase in their preparations, allowing Guardiola to evaluate his squad and make informed decisions ahead of the new season. With a focus on youth development and injury-free performances, the tour promises to be an exciting and enlightening experience for players and fans alike.

As the teams face off in the USA, the matches will provide a fascinating insight into the strategies and aspirations of Guardiola and Rodgers. With both managers prioritizing injury-free performances and competitive displays, the friendlies are set to be intense and captivating encounters.

In conclusion, Manchester City’s pre-season tour in the USA offers a valuable opportunity for Pep Guardiola to assess young talents, avoid injuries, and fine-tune his squad. With Celtic providing a formidable opponent, the match promises to be a competitive and insightful encounter, providing a glimpse into the teams’ potential for the upcoming campaign.