As Manchester City prepare to get their pre-season campaign underway in Chapel Hill, NC with a friendly clash against Celtic, Pep Guardiola praised the quality of his squad and expressed that he is “really excited” about the upcoming season.
A trip to Stamford Bridge will open the 2024/25 Premier League season for the Cityzens, though they’ll first be put through a gruelling set of friendlies that starts with a test against Celtic at 00:30 UK on Wednesday.
Guardiola’s men, many of whom were involved in the latter stages of EURO2024 and the Copa América, will then face AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea on American soil before heading to Wembley Stadium to dispute the Community Shield against Manchester United.
Reflecting on EURO2024 and Spain’s success at the tournament, Guardiola emphasised that Rodri’s performances put him “in the race” for the Ballon d’Or and noted that it “is fantastic for him, his family, friends and of course Manchester City.”
“When I saw Spain, I saw him and he was the level he has been playing for many years. His consistency was good. Rodri, Aymeric Laporte, Ferran [Torres]… they were together and I am happy for them.”
Embed from Getty Images“I can’t deny how happy he would be,” the Spaniard added, telling the gathered media that Manchester City “are so proud” of the 28-year-old midfielder.
But Guardiola isn’t just thrilled by the big names, insisting that he’s also keen to see the likes of James McAtee thrive for Manchester City after a season on loan at Sheffield United.
“I am curious to see Macca, especially after coming back from Sheffield United,” he expressed, commenting that “we have a high opinion of him. I’d love to have him next season with us – he can play in the small places, in the pockets.”
“I think he grew up in terms of physicality and has played for a team fighting relegation and when you do this, you get something special. I know him well and know his potential – he has to play good for himself and the team.”
On the squad as a whole, Guardiola said: “I am delighted with the squad for many years. I don’t know what will happen in the market but if someone leaves, we will talk about that. We will have an option to have new players.”
“I feel comfortable, because the quality of human beings we have in the squad is difficult to be replaced, and the quality is there. But we’ll see.”
“I don’t rule out new players as an option, but I think there is an 85, 90, 95% chance we will have the same squad.”