English
giants Manchester City have arrived in Australia and wasted no time getting on
the training ground ahead of their glamour International Champions Cup clashes
at the MCG.
The Citizens
touched down at Brisbane Airport overnight and were put through a light session
at their Gold Coast training base this morning as they prepare to face fellow
European powerhouses Real Madrid and Roma.
City will
also play Adelaide United behind closed doors during the week and sister club
Melbourne City at Cbus Super Stadium next Saturday as part of their pre-season
tour.
Manager
Manuel Pellegrini has brought a number of his superstars on his first visit to
Australia but urged the younger members of his squad to make the most of the
opportunity they'll be given.
“We’ll have
a mix of the young players and the first-team – we’ve brought many important
young players who have the chance to demonstrate why they are in this squad,”
Pellegrini told reporters on Saturday.
“For that
reason, I am sure supporters coming to see us play against Melbourne will see a
very beautiful game.
“We expect
it will be a useful game for both teams – we are just starting the season, so
it’s important we play as hard as we can and it will be a good experience to
play.”
While only
nine members of City’s first-team have made the trip to date, the club revealed
they will be bolstered by the arrival of more players throughout the week.
Internationals
Yaya Toure, Vincent Kompany and Samir Nasri are among those already here, with
the likes of David Silva, Wilfried Bony and Joe Hart set the join their
teammates after an extended off-season.
Pellegrini
said he and his players had adjusted well after the 21-hour flight and was
confident the trip would provide the ideal preparation to launch a renewed tilt
at the Premier League title they surrendered last season.
“I had no
problem with the change of hour – I slept very well,” he said.
“We’re very
happy to be here – it’s my first time, I’ve never been here before.
“It’s a very
beautiful place – it will be very comfortable week – we have all of the
facilities we need so I know we’ve chosen the right place.”
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