Josko Gvardiol issues verdict on Premier League matches being played in the United States | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol has opened up on the prospect of Premier League matches being one day players in the United States.

Whilst the Zagreb-born defender missed Manchester City’s pre-season opener against Celtic in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, his early exit from the European Championships meant he has been able to reunite with the squad for the remaining three contests.

Taking on vital opening minutes to rebuild match sharpness and fitness against AC Milan in New York City, as well as FC Barcelona in Orlando, Florida, Gvardiol will be one of the most advanced first-team players in terms of preparation for the new season by next week.

During the off-season, and a conversation that has been brewing for several months and years, there has been plenty of debate about the prospect of the Premier League expanding their brand and product by hosting matches in the United States.

Speaking during a pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City’s meeting with their Premier League opening weekend opponents Chelsea in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday night, Josko Gvardiol was asked for his take on the hot topic.

“I don’t know. Obviously, it would be nice to play in the US, but to be fair it’s quite far,” the Croatian defender said. “And to travel seven, eight hours, maybe even more depending on where you play, I think that’s a part we would like to avoid.”

The 22-year-old continued, “But I’m not the one who is going to decide, so yeah.”

Offering his verdict on his and the club’s experience of the United States so far, as they take on their final contest in the country for pre-season, Gvardiol said, “It’s really nice to come to the US; it’s my first time being here with Man City.

“It’s different to being in Europe,” he said. “Once again, happy to be here, and I believe the other guys (at Manchester City) are happy as well.”

Manchester City against Chelsea at the Ohio Stadium in Columbus will be the club’s final chance at match preparation before they take on Manchester United in the FA Community Shield next weekend.

In that time, Pep Guardiola will however be boosted by the return of the large share of his regular first-team squad, with extended holidays and a chance for a mental and physical reset issued to the Premier League champions following their European Championship exploits.