To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

"We have to be focussed" - Pep Guardiola previews Manchester City's run prior to the World Cup

"We have to be focussed" - Pep Guardiola previews Manchester City's run prior to the World Cup

Pep Guardiola has previewed Manchester City's relentless upcoming run of fixtures, with the Blues set to play 12 times before the World Cup.

Pep Guardiola has revealed Manchester City's plans prior to the World Cup.

The Premier League Champions kick-off a potentially pivotal run of fixtures with the Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The visit of Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United, who are on a four game winning streak, is the first of 12 matches the Sky Blues are scheduled to play before the November hiatus for the FIFA World Cup.

City will be looking to extend their unbeaten start to the campaign with a victory this weekend, with the Blues having done the double over their local rivals last season.

Erling Haaland, who has already scored 14 goals for Manchester City, will also get his first taste of the Manchester Derby on Sunday.

Erling Haaland celebrates for Manchester City.
Erling Haaland celebrates for Manchester City.

Guardiola's side have fixtures in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup before the Premier League pauses.

As well as facing United this weekend, the Sky Blues travel to Anfield later this month to play Liverpool.

Other Premier League opponents before the World Cup include Southampton, Brighton, Leicester, Fulham, Brentford and Leeds.

City also host Graham Potter's Chelsea in the third round of the Carabao Cup in November.

With such a hectic period ahead, Pep Guardiola has revealed his plans for the Manchester City squad.

"Few [training sessions]. Recovery, training sessions, everyone will be involved. Some more than others but everyone will be involved.

"Since I am a manager I've been like that 11, 12 years ago, every three days a game. No surprise. Adapt, adjust, recover well with ice in the legs. Train specific what you need to improve."

The Champions League Group Stages will also be completed before the World Cup, with City scheduled to travel to Denmark and Germany to play FC Copenhagen and Borussia Dortmund.

Sevilla, who City convincingly beat on Matchday One will also visit the Etihad Stadium.

Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva for Manchester City.
Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva for Manchester City.

With 12 matches set to be played in such a short period of time, the City boss also placed emphasis on the importance of City having a good run of results prior to the pause.

"In six weeks we have the World Cup and injuries would be difficult, we have to be focussed, We don't plan anything differently.

"Everyone knows about the World Cup, we talk about days off, when we come back, the training. After depends on group stage, quarter finals, when players come back.

"How they feel. First game we play, we are going to see the selection. I don't think anybody knows what will happen."

City come into Sunday's clash with United just one point behind league leaders Arsenal.

After the Manchester Derby, the Blues will be looking to further assert their authority on Group G in the Champions League when they face FC Copenhagen on Wednesday.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Football World Cup