Five Things Spotted In Manchester City Pre-Season Training Ahead Of First Friendly

Manchester City have upped the ante in their preparations for the new campaign.

Pep Guardiola's squad have landed in the United States, where they are based for their 2022 pre-season tour.

The Sky Blues have returned to the US for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, and will play two friendlies during their time Stateside.

The first is against Mexican outfit Club America in Texas on Wednesday.

While the second match on Saturday, sees the Premier League Champions come up against Bayern Munich in the USA Cup at the famous Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Four members of the Blues' squad haven't travelled to the US.

Ilkay Gundogan, Phil Foden and John Stones are all joining the Manchester City U23s on their tour of Croatia.

Aymeric Laporte meanwhile remains in Manchester, as the Spain midfielder continues to recover from an injury.

Despite the absentees, here are five things City Xtra spotted in the Blues' first training session of their US tour.

Erling Haaland FINALLY Pictured

After a week of endless discussion amongst City supporters, marquee summer signing Erling Haaland has finally been pictured actively taking part in a first-team training session.

The Norwegian striker completed a £51 million move from Borussia Dortmund last month, and is now learning Pep Guardiola's methods prior to the start of the campaign.

Haaland has been pictured taking part in both indoor and outdoor sessions.

“HAALAND TRAINING PICS?” pic.twitter.com/dO7iMDuX24

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) July 17, 2022

Oleksandr Zinchenko Involved Amid Transfer Talk

Arsenal are widely reported to be closing in on the signature of versatile City full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Ukrainian is poised to complete a £30 million move to the Emirates, but despite continued speculation, the 25 year-old can be seen to be involved in the Blues' training session.

Nathan Ake Baby

Dutch defender Nathan Ake has also been seen preparing for the new season with the Premier League Champions.

Ake put rumours regarding his future to bed prior to City's trip to the USA, ending talk of a possible return to Chelsea.

News that the centre-back has chosen to remain at the Etihad Stadium delighted City supporters.

More from the US tour? Go on then! 📸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/GPHFpOSCjf

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) July 17, 2022

Alvarez On Target

Julian Alvarez is the second striker acquired by the Blues this summer, with huge excitement surrounding the South American.

The 22 year-old, like Haaland, will be looking to quickly adapt to Guardiola's methods, though speculation remains as to whether we will be seeing the Sky Blues' new number 19 up front or out wide...

Sweltering Stateside Sun

Boiling hot temperatures are soon set to mask the UK, but the warm temperatures are also noticeable in Houston, where Guardiola's squad are currently based.

New signing Kalvin Phillips and goalkeepers Ederson and Scott Carson can be seen to be enjoying the ice baths to cool off from the hot America weather after training.

Cooling down 🧊🛁#ManCity pic.twitter.com/YJ48pBoXYt

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 17, 2022