Enduring the trials and tribulations of a gruelling campaign season after season comes with the territory of being one of the best teams in the world.
Manchester City can certainly attest to that, after partaking in a physically and mentally taxing 57-game season across all competitions during the 2021/22 campaign.
Semi-final runs in the Champions League, as well as the FA Cup, meant Pep Guardiola’s side were fighting on three separate fronts simultaneously.
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Life was not made any easier for the Sky Blues, as the Premier League title race went right down to the wire against Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, and demanded a comeback for the ages on the final day of the season in order for Manchester City to successfully defend their domestic crown.
After letting their hair down over the summer to celebrate their incredible success, the players are set to get back to business during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States next month.
The Premier League champions kick proceedings off in Houston, against Club America on 21st July.
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After squaring up against the Mexican outfit, the English giants will then also be tasked with facing Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich on 23rd July at Lambeau Field, to participate in the first-ever football match held at the iconic American football stadium.
This week, new details have now revealed when exactly the Sky Blues stars are expected to return to for duties at the City Football Academy in pre-season training prior to their trip to the United States.
As per the latest information provided by Paul Hirst of the Times, Manchester City's players plan to report for pre-season in the second week of July, before jetting off to the US the week after.
While a host of the Sky Blues squad’s services were called upon during the most recent round of UEFA Nations League fixtures such as Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogan, it is largely expected that several senior players will slowly but surely be introduced into the thick of things.
Considering the plethora of up-and-coming talent from Manchester City’s youth ranks, several fresh faces are also expected to be given a run-out in front of two packed stadiums.
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Much like how Phil Foden famously made an impression in a pre-season friendly against Manchester United in Houston five years ago, an array of wonderkids at the club will be hoping to do the same this time around.
It is also key to mention that with Zack Steffen’s presence as Manchester City’s number two, there has certainly been a rise in the football fans based in the States that keep an eye out for the blue side of Manchester.
Aside from the given objective of ensuring the squad gets up to speed from a fitness perspective, such tours also allow the club a chance to connect with a major market of their fanbase in the United States.
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Upon returning to pre-season duties, the players themselves will be hoping to put on a show for their dedicated supporters in the US.
There is also a chance that Manchester City could showcase a number of their new signings during the upcoming tour, with Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez creating plenty of excitement amongst supporters all over the globe.
The club continue to be in pursuit of Leeds' Kalvin Phillips, and Brighton's Marc Cucurella, while Bundesliga goalkeeper Stefan Ortega also looks close to signing a deal with the Premier League champions.
Featured Image Credit: PA Images / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Premier League, Football