The Manchester City squad embraced camaraderie and team spirit as they gathered for a delightful pre-season dinner at the elegant Gordon Ramsay restaurant. With their forthcoming pre-season tour set to kick off in Japan and South Korea, the players took advantage of the opportunity to bond before the journey. Amidst the excitement, one pressing matter remained on their minds – the selection of a new captain, following Ilkay Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona.
On a rainy Tuesday night, prominent City stars including Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, Mateo Kovacic, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, Stefan Moreno, and Kevin de Bruyne dined together in their finest attire at Manchester’s brand-new Lucky Cat restaurant. The gathering was a perfect occasion for players to strengthen their rapport before the upcoming challenges.
As the club currently lacks a captain following Gundogan’s departure, the responsibility of electing a new leader falls to the players. It has been a customary practice for Manchester City’s squad to vote for their captain, and the decision carries significant importance for the team’s dynamics.
Under the masterful guidance of Pep Guardiola, aged 52, Manchester City achieved a remarkable treble last season, claiming victory in the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. This feat earned Guardiola immense praise from Premier League legend Wayne Rooney, who lauded the Spanish manager for his transformative impact on English football.
Rooney stated, “Pep Guardiola has been one of the best things that has happened to English football. For the league and national team, some of the coaching has really helped them develop as players. [Success] goes in cycles. Unfortunately, it is Man City’s time.”
Looking ahead to the pre-season tour, Manchester City will test their skills against Yokohama, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid. This tour serves as a crucial preparation phase before they defend their Premier League title, commencing with an intriguing clash against newly-promoted Burnley on August 11th.
As the Man City stars embark on their pre-season tour, their recent pre-season dinner exemplifies the unity and determination within the team. With the captaincy decision looming, the players are eager to identify a leader who will inspire and guide them to further success. As fans eagerly await the new season, Manchester City’s collective spirit and exceptional talent will undoubtedly fuel their pursuit of silverware and continued dominance in English football.
