Chapter 502
After the warm-up match with Arsenal, head coach Guardiola decided to give his players two days off.
To reserve their physical strength and relax their mentality for the Community Shield Cup a week later, so that they can adjust their condition to the best.
Although the warm-up match with Arsenal was held in a closed training ground, the result of the match still made the all-pervasive media get the news.
Combined with Manchester City's one win and one draw in the previous Asian tour, Manchester City's performance before the start of the season is not satisfactory.
Major British media have analyzed and commented on the prospects of Manchester City, the triple crown last season, in the new season.
The headline of The Guardian wrote: "Manchester City's strong aura seems to have weakened."
The article pointed out that although Manchester City achieved brilliant achievements last season, the team's recovery speed during the offseason was obviously not as expected.
The performance of the two warm-up matches was not satisfactory, especially the loss against Arsenal, which exposed the team's loopholes on the defensive end.
The Times commented more sharply: "Behind the glory of the treble, can Manchester City continue its glory?"
The article mentioned that although Guardiola has made great efforts to recruit players in the transfer market, the team's tacit understanding and integrity still need time to be polished.
Although the results of the warm-up match cannot fully reflect the strength of the new season, it undoubtedly sounded the alarm for the team.
The Daily Mail is slightly optimistic about Manchester City's prospects: "Manchester City's ups and downs are only temporary."
The report believes that Manchester City's players have just experienced a difficult season and a tight vacation, and fluctuations in status are inevitable.
Guardiola's tactical adjustments and the integration of new players will take time. I believe that Manchester City will show its due strength after the official game starts.
Sky Sports also conducted an in-depth analysis: "Manchester City's challenge has just begun."
The report pointed out that the pressure Manchester City faces in the new season comes not only from the competition of opponents, but also from the high expectations of fans and the media.
Although the performance of the warm-up match was not satisfactory, it also provided the team with a valuable opportunity for adjustment.
Guardiola needs to find the best lineup for the team as soon as possible and solve the problems on the defensive end.
Manchester City fans expressed their views on social media.
"Believe in Guardiola, believe in the team, they will prove themselves again in the new season."
"I hope these problems can be solved before the start of the season. I don't want to see the team repeat the same mistakes."
As the new season approaches, Li Lei and his teammates seize the last leisure time to relax.
Nightclubs, bars and other entertainment venues have become their frequent places.
As the main player of the Triple Crown, Li Lei's figure is particularly dazzling in these places of feasting and drinking.
That night, in a famous nightclub in the center of Manchester, Li Lei and several teammates were enjoying the last bit of freedom of the holiday.
Deafening music filled the entire nightclub, and colorful lights set off everyone's face.
Li Lei held a cocktail and leaned against the bar to chat with his teammates.
Sterling next to him was playing with a group of friends, and De Bruyne was dancing on the dance floor.
The paparazzi had been waiting outside the nightclub, their cameras ready to capture any interesting moments.
As expected, the next day, the gossip headlines of major media were filled with photos of Li Lei and his teammates.
In the photo, Li Lei smiled and toasted with others, looking relaxed and very happy.
"The stars of the Triple Crown indulged in carnival before the start of the new season, Li Lei and his teammates' nightclub night!"
The article also described Li Lei's performance in the nightclub in detail, and even added some groundless gossip.
Li Lei didn't care about these reports.
These relaxing times are to adjust the mentality before the start of the season and better meet the upcoming challenges.
The same is true for teammates. Everyone understands that after the new season, they need to show 100% of their state to defend Manchester City's honor.
Even so, this night still made Li Lei happy.
Such relaxation will make him go all out in the next game.
As the night gradually faded, Li Lei and his teammates left the nightclub, ready to meet the challenges of the new season.
Although the media's eyes were always on them, this did not affect their desire for victory and their passion for the game.
The short vacation passed quickly, and the new season kicked off from this day.
For Manchester City, their current primary goal is the Community Shield, a showdown between the first and second place in the Premier League last season.
On August 6, the area around Wembley Stadium in London had already been boiling.
Fans of Manchester City and Tottenham came from all directions to watch the game.They came in, wearing their respective team uniforms, waving flags, and singing cheering songs.
In the square outside the stadium, the crowd surged, and the fans gathered together to share their expectations and excitement for the game.
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was even more enthusiastic.
The stands of Wembley Stadium were almost full, and the blue and white oceans were intertwined.
Manchester City fans shouted the team's slogans, waved blue scarves, and had confident smiles on their faces.
Tottenham fans were not to be outdone, and their uniform shouts echoed in the stadium.
As the game time approached, the atmosphere in the stadium became more and more tense.
Manchester City players walked out of the locker room and walked towards the stadium. They all looked focused and their hearts were full of the belief that they must win.
On the sidelines, Manchester City head coach Guardiola stood in the command area with a firm look.
The importance of this game is not only to win a trophy, but also to lay a good start for the new season that is about to begin.
His tactical arrangements and on-the-spot command will determine the direction of the game.
With the referee's whistle, the Community Shield match officially began.
The two teams quickly entered the state and launched a fierce offensive battle.
Every moment on the court was full of tension and excitement, and the cheers and screams of the fans came one after another.
At the other end of the court, Tottenham players were not to be outdone. They went all out, hoping to defeat the powerful opponents in this game.
Every second of the game is a test of the strength and will of both sides.
The shouts of fans echoed over Wembley Stadium, as if the whole of London was cheering for this game.
No matter what the result of the game is, this Community Shield competition will be a wonderful prelude to the new season.
Fans are looking forward to the players of Manchester City and Tottenham writing new glory in this game.
