“It's A Little Easier For Me" - Julian Alvarez Opens Up On Settling In At Manchester City

Manchester City's Julian Alvarez has opened on his new life in East Manchester and how he is adapting to Pep Guardiola's methods.

The 22-year-old joined City from Argentinian giants River Plate for a reported fee of £20 million in January, and has hit the ground running in his new surroundings. 

After being a standout performer in the club’s pre-season tour in North America, Alvarez scored his opening goal for the club against bitter rivals Liverpool on Saturday in the FA Community Shield, despite the Blues tasting defeat on the day. 

Speaking in the newest edition of City Magazine, the Argentine striker opened up on how the early weeks at the club, and adjusting to a new style of play under Guardiola. 

Alvarez scored his first City goal on Saturday (Paul Marriott / Alamy)

"This is a team that has been playing in a certain way for a long time,” Alvarez said.

“I try to do what I've been doing with River, but with some changes. It's a team that presses like we usually did in River.

“It's a little easier for me (in that respect). I feel comfortable playing this way.

"I'm going to continue training to the fullest to be available.”

Alvarez continued, “I was very happy to play against Club America and Bayern and have the opportunity to start with Manchester City and to play my first games.

“I will do my best to live up to the expectations.

“Pre-season was good. Every day I am training with my teammates, with Pep and all his assistants and getting to know them better.

“As I always do, I train in the best way I can. It is the first time that I am with Pep on the pitch, so I do my best to show my qualities and help my teammates.”   

Alvarez in Community Shield action (Paul Marriott / Alamy)

After winning South American footballer of the year last season, and tallying 22 goals and 10 assists in league play for River Plate, the 22-year-old has joined the Premier League champions with high expectations. 

However, having joined the club alongside Erling Haaland - one of Europe’s top striker talents - Alvarez will likely be given plenty of time to bed into his new club, and new city.

Thankfully for the Argentine, a debut strike against a team like Liverpool is a quick way to endear yourself to the City faithful.

His focus will quickly turn to Sunday, when City begin their defence of the Premier League title.

They kick-off against West Ham United at the London Stadium and will be looking to get off to a winning start against a team they struggled to break down last season.

After falling 2-0 down at half-time, they battled back to earn a 2-2 draw in last season's penultimate Premier League fixture.