Man City boss Pep Guardiola shares thoughts on facing ‘top team’ Celtic

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is looking to use the current USA tour as a good chance to check in on the progress of his Academy youngsters.

The English champions’ initial travelling squad for the match against Celtic consists primarily of young players, with some established stars such as Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish also present.

City are still in the early stages of their preseason preparations, and after facing Brendan Rodgers’ Bhoys, they have three more games across the Atlantic against AC Milan, Barcelona, and Chelsea.

So Guardiola’s goal for this leg of the tour is to avoid injuries and check in on some emerging talents who could compete for a spot in his senior squad.

Pep Guardiola discusses Celtic vs Manchester City.

When asked what success would look like against Celtic and throughout their trip to the United States, Guardiola said in a press conference overnight

[YouTube]: “There are no injuries. That would be a great success for us. We don’t come here for four trophies; we come here to avoid injuries and to improve where we are. 80 or 85 percent of the team is made up of young Academy players, which will provide valuable experience.

“We get to play against Celtic, Scotland’s top team. After Milan, move on to Barcelona and Chelsea. These guys are competing against these teams, which is a good learning experience for them. It’s crucial for all of us and for them.”I want to see them all. I’m looking forward to seeing James McAtee, especially after returning from Sheffield. I have a high opinion of him. I’d love to have him and keep him with us next season.

“He’s a unique player who can play in space in the pockets. I believe he matured physically and mentally; playing in the Premier League while fighting for relegation produces something special.”

Brendan Rodgers has similar goals for Celtic.

Rodgers has brought a slew of young Academy players with him to the United States, including Colby Donovan and Matthew Anderson, who started over the weekend.

There will undoubtedly be more game time for them against City, but the Bhoys are a little further along in their preparations, so plenty of established regulars may also get minutes.

Rodgers’ objectives are identical to Guardiola’s. Come through the match with injuries, compete well, and increase the intensity of pre-season. He has made it clear that the purpose of this trip to the United States is to best prepare his team physically for the season opener against Kilmarnock.