Manchester City make decision on expanded pre-season fixture list | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City squad are set to only engage in one on-field, public pre-season friendly ahead of the forthcoming season, it has been reported.

City’s approach to the summer has been shaped by one particular unique circumstance in the newly-expanded and rebranded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, in which Pep Guardiola’s side crashed out in the last-16 stage to Al Hilal.

The club have since opted for an extended summer break for their stars, offering as much holiday period as possible before a later return to training, prioritising individual and private training plans and player recovery over a demanding pre-season schedule.

In contrast to previous summers that included international tours or multiple exhibition matches, this pre-season reflects Pep Guardiola’s growing preference for continuity and tactical cohesion.

With the majority of City’s international players also returning later than usual, Guardiola and his staff have placed emphasis on fitness, structure, and integrating new arrivals in the United States, and in early August before stepping into competitive action.

This summer’s limited plans will also allow more focused preparation for City’s Premier League opener against Wolves, while giving time for injured players – such as Mateo Kovacic and those returning from long absences like Oscar Bobb and Rodri – to build up match readiness without rushing into public match settings.

According to the information of the Manchester Evening News’ Tyrone Marshall, Manchester City are unlikely to add a second pre-season friendly to their summer calendar ahead of the start of the brand new Premier League season in August.

As such, Pep Guardiola’s squad’s schedule will involve a return to pre-season training on Monday 28 July, engaging in around three weeks of training, as well as a friendly fixture away to Palermo on Saturday 9 August, before the opening weekend meeting against Wolves.

Manchester City will travel to Molineux on Saturday 16 August to face off against Vitor Pereira’s side in what will be the late 17:30 (UK) kick-off time slot for Rayan Ait-Nouri’s first return to the Midlands after making the switch to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

It is however explained that City had initially considered arranging another friendly in addition to their clash against the aforementioned Serie B side, but that is now not expected to happen. The side could yet play a behind-closed-doors game at the City Football Academy with short notice, although at present there are no details surrounding that possibility.

Manchester City’s internal plans will be closely watched by fans eager to see how Pep Guardiola blends his squad following notable summer arrivals such as Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders.

With the team expected to spend extensive time in Manchester during pre-season, supporters may get their first glimpses of these players during the club’s open training event, ‘City Are Back’, on 5 August at the Joie Stadium – just days before the trip to Sicily.

While some fans may be disappointed by the lack of on-field action this summer ahead of the new season, Manchester City’s meticulous planning reflects confidence in their squad structure and coaching rhythm.

With just over three weeks until their Premier League title pursuit begins, all focus now turns to maximising sharpness, integrating summer additions, and maintaining momentum.