MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 - Manchester City FC
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MANCHESTER CITY
PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2017 1
THROUGHOUT ITS PROUD HISTORY, OUR FOOTBALL CLUB HAS BUILT A DEEP, LASTING KINSHIP WITH COMMUNITIES IN MANCHESTER AND IN CITIES FURTHER AFIELD. THE FANS SHOW IT IN THEIR UNWAVERING PASSION FOR THE CLUB; WE SHOW IT THROUGH OUR DEDICATION TO BUILDING, FOR THEM, THE SUCCESSFUL AND SUSTAINABLE FOOTBALL CLUB FOR THE FUTURE. IT IS A RESPONSIBILITY THAT THE CLUB IS HONOURED TO SHOULDER.
CONTACTS COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS SIMON HEGGIE CONTACTS FOR USA
FERRAN SORIANO OFFICER HEAD OF MEDIA RELATIONS SIMON HEGGIE
VICKY KLOSS E: simon.heggie@mancity.com STEPH TOMAN
DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL T: +44 161 438 7738 TOBY CRAIG
TXIKI BEGIRISTAIN CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER M: +44 7791 857 452
ANDY YOUNG CONTACTS FOR
FIRST TEAM MANAGER ALEX ROWEN COMMUNITY SHIELD
PEP GUARDIOLA CHIEF INFRASTRUCTURE MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER
ALEX ROWEN
OFFICER E: alex.rowen@mancity.com CARLOS VICENTE
HEAD OF ELITE JON STEMP M: +44 7885 268 047
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
PAUL HARSLEY CLUB AMBASSADOR CARLOS VICENTE
MIKE SUMMERBEE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
HEAD OF RELATIONS MANAGER
GLOBAL FOOTBALL LIFE PRESIDENT E: carlos.vicente@cityfootball.com
BRIAN MARWOOD BERNARD HALFORD M: +44 7850 096 527
TOBY CRAIG
DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND
COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS
E: toby.craig@cityfootball.com
T: +44 20 7874 5519
M: +44 7710 380 248
STEPHANIE TOMAN
HEAD OF MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
E: stephanie.toman@cityfootball.com
T: +44 161 438 7989
M: +44 7736 464 316
All information correct at time of writing
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 03
TOUR DESTINATION FIXTURES:
OVERVIEW LOCAL TIMES
DATE OPPONENT KICK-OFF TOURNAMENT VENUE
INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS CUP
Friday Borussia 7:05pm International Soldier Field
17 - 20 July Chicago, USA 20 July Dortmund (CT) Champions Cup Stadium,
21 - 25 July New York City, USA Chicago
26 - 29 July Miami, USA
Wednesday Liverpool FC 8:05pm International MetLife
25 July (ET) Champions Cup Stadium,
COMMUNITY SHIELD New York
Saturday Bayern 6:05pm International Hard Rock
5 August Manchester City v Chelsea. Kick-off: 3.00pm 28 July Munich (ET) Champions Cup Stadium, Miami
Sunday Chelsea 3:00pm Community Wembley
5 August Shield Stadium
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 04
CITY BACK IN THE
Supported by Visit Abu Dhabi, the tour takes us “Our previous tour of the United States last summer
across the Atlantic for the second successive year, as provided a great platform for the team to kick off
we again prepare for the new Premier League season its current campaign and we are excited to confirm
UNITED STATES
by competing in the International Champions Cup. our plans for this year,” said Manchester City’s chief
operating officer, Omar Berrada.
We kick-off against Dortmund in Chicago, where
we’ll play at the Chicago Bears’ Soldier Field Stadium “This year’s visit to the US will be extra special for the
on Friday 20 July, before travelling to New York City Club as we get to combine our men’s and women’s
to face Liverpool at the 82,000 capacity MetLife tours for the first time when they both play matches
Stadium on Wednesday 25 July. in Miami.
MANCHESTER CITY WILL RETURN TO Our final game, against Pep Guardiola’s former “Manchester City has a great following in the United
THE USA THIS SUMMER WHERE THEY club, Bayern, takes place in Miami at the Hard Rock States with a growing and passionate fanbase.
WILL TAKE ON BAYERN MUNICH, Stadium on Saturday 28 July, a destination which
takes on extra significance as we will have both our
“The team is looking forward to meeting and playing
BORUSSIA DORTMUND AND LIVERPOOL men and women’s first team on tour in the city at the
same time.
in front of thousands of our US fans for what
promises to be a fantastic tour.”
IN THE INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS CUP. Two-time Premier League winner, Joleon Lescott,
was in Miami to represent the Club as the fixtures
were revealed and once we head Stateside we will
host a series of fan and community events across
these three destinations.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 05
FACTS AND FIGURES
EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS’ CUP: DIVISION TWO RUNNERS-UP (ORIGINAL): FA CHARITY SHIELD WINNERS: MOST GOALS IN ALL COMPETITIONS
1970 1895-96, 1950-51, 1988-89 1937-38, 1968-69, 1972-73, 2011-2012 IN A SEASON:
156 IN 2013-14
FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: DIVISION TWO PLAY OFF WINNERS: FULL MEMBERS CUP RUNNERS-UP:
1936-37, 1967-68, 2011-12, 2013-14, 2017-18 1998-99 1986 PLAYER IN A SEASON:
38 BY TOMMY JOHNSON
FOOTBALL LEAGUE RUNNERS-UP: FA CUP WINNERS: FA YOUTH CUP WINNERS: IN DIVISION ONE 1928-29
1903-04, 1920-21, 1976-77, 2012-13, 2014-15 1904, 1934, 1956, 1969, 2011 1986, 2008
MOST POINTS (2 FOR A WIN):
DIVISION ONE CHAMPIONS: FA CUP RUNNERS-UP: RESERVE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: 62 IN DIVISION TWO 1946-47
2001-02 1926, 1933, 1955, 1981, 2013 1977-78, 1986-87, 1999-2000
MOST POINTS (3 FOR A WIN):
DIVISION ONE RUNNERS-UP: LEAGUE CUP WINNERS: MOST GOALS IN A SEASON: 100 IN PREMIER LEAGUE 2017-18
1999-2000 1970, 1976, 2014, 2016, 2018 108 IN DIVISION TWO 1926-27
(42 GAMES) & DIVISION ONE MOST CAPPED PLAYER WHILE
DIVISION TWO CHAMPIONS (ORIGINAL): LEAGUE CUP RUNNERS-UP: 2001-02 (46 GAMES) AT THE CLUB:
1898-99, 1902-03, 1909-10, 1927-28, 1974 DAVID SILVA (SPAIN)
1946-47, 1965-66
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 06
CLUB
HISTORY
1875 - 1902 1899 City finish champions of Division record the highest Manchester derby victory 1945 - 1950
1880 St Mark’s Church forms a football team Two, becoming the first team to gain (6-1 at Old Trafford) and suffer relegation in 1947 City are promoted as Champions
which would later evolve into MCFC. automatic promotion. the same season. of Division Two.
1884 The first known ‘City shirt’ is created – 1904 The Blues beat Bolton Wanderers in the 1928 City promoted as Champions of 1949 The MCFC Official Supporters Club
in black, with a Maltese-style cross. FA Cup final at Crystal Palace, becoming the Division Two and are the Football League’s is formed.
Some say this is because of the club’s strong first Manchester side to win a major trophy. best-supported club.
links with Freemasonry in the 1880s, others 1950s
1914 TO 1918 WORLD WAR ONE 1930s 1955 City lose to Newcastle United in the 1955
believe the white cross proves the link with
St Mark’s was still strong. League football is suspended from 1915-1919, 1934 After losing the final last year, City beat FA Cup final at Wembley.
though regional Subsidiary tournaments are Portsmouth 2-1 to lift the FA Cup. 1956 The Blues play their second successive
1887 St Mark’s team evolves into Ardwick
still in place with City taking part in the 1934 A record provincial crowd of 84,569 FA Cup Final, this time beating Birmingham
AFC and moves to Hyde Road.
Lancashire division. is recorded at Maine Road when the Blues 3-1 to lift the trophy. Their homecoming parade
1889 An explosion at the nearby Hyde
1920s entertain Stoke City. is the first outside transmission by Granada
Road coal mine results in the death of 23
1937 Manchester City win the League Television.
miners – Ardwick and Newton Heath play 1920 City’s Hyde Road ground becomes the
a friendly match under floodlights in aid of first provincial football stadium to be visited by Championship for the first time. 1958 The Munich Air Disaster devastates
the disaster fund. a reigning monarch. Manchester United’s first team squad and also
1939 TO 1945 WORLD WAR TWO kills several journalists including former City
1892 The second division of the English 1923 After Hyde Road is destroyed by fire, goalkeeper Frank Swift.
the club moves to the 85,000 capacity A Wartime League is set up with City playing in
Football League is created, with Ardwick
Maine Road. the Northern division. Substantial damage to
AFC as founder members. 1960s
Old Trafford means United are forced to play
1894 Ardwick AFC reforms as Manchester 1926 A topsy-turvy year for the Blues – their home games at Maine Road. However City 1965 A new club badge is developed in 1965,
City Football Club, in a bid to represent the managerless City become the first Manchester would never allow United usage of the home based around the central part of the City of
whole city. side to play at Wembley (FA Cup runners-up), team changing room when the two teams met! Manchester coat of arms.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 07
1966 City are promoted as champions of The highest ever Maine Road derby win is impressive,48,000 capacity, City of reach the knockout stages of the Champions
Division Two, under the management recorded, with City thumping neighbours Manchester Stadium. League for the first time. Manchester City,
team of Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison. Manchester United 5-1. 2007 Sven Goran Eriksson replaces Stuart in partnership with the owners of Melbourne
1968 The Blues defeat Newcastle United on Pearce as manager, and on 15th December Storm, acquire Australian side Melbourne
1990s Heart in January, which is later renamed
the final day of the season to clinch the City establish a ‘top flight’ club record of nine
League Championship for the second time. 1992 The FA Premier League is formed, with consecutive home league wins at the start of Melbourne City.
City v QPR being the first ever live Monday the season. 2015 City seal investment and partnership
1969 Manchester City beat Leicester
night Sky game. with J-League soccer club Yokohama F
City 1-0 at Wembley to win the FA Cup. 2008 The Abu Dhabi United Group become the
1994 City say farewell to the much-loved new owners of Manchester City. Former Wales, Marinos in a deal designed to create new
1970s Kippax Stand as legislation forces the closure Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester global opportunities for Japanese soccer
1970 City complete a brilliant European and of terracing at Premier League grounds. In its United star Mark Hughes becomes the new City talent.
domestic cup double by winning the European day ‘The Kippax’ was the largest standing area Manager. The club break the British transfer The City Football Academy opens with the
Cup Winners Cup and the League Cup. in the country. record for the second time with the £32.5m intent of securing City’s future as one of
1972 The City badge is replaced with the red 1995/96 A dramatic season sees City appoint signing of Robinho from Real Madrid. the world’s leading football clubs by investing
rose of Lancashire. three different managers; Alan Ball, Steve 2009 Roberto Mancini, former manager in the development of young talent.
Coppell and Frank Clark as well as significant of Inter Milan replaces Mark Hughes City Football Group (CFG) announce a
1974 City lose the League Cup final to Wolves.
spells as caretaker for Asa Hartford and in December. partnership with a consortium of high profile
1976 The Blues beat Newcastle United Phil Neal.
2010 The Blues enjoy their best ever Premier Chinese institutional investors led by operating
2-1 at Wembley, with goals from Peter Barnes
1997 City unveil a new club badge. This new League campaign, finishing 5th and qualifying company CMC (China Media Capital) Holdings.
and a spectacular over-head kick from
design features the Latin motto “Superbia in for the Europa League in the process, as well as Club consults with thousands of fans and
Dennis Tueart.
proelio” meaning ‘Pride in battle’. reaching the League Cup semi-finals. as a result, unveils a new club badge that
1979 The club break the transfer record,
1999 One of the most dramatic games ever 2011 The long wait for a trophy ends when the re-introduces the round design of the
signing Steve Daley for £1,450,277. Within two
played at Wembley sees City promoted after Blues beat Stoke 1-0 to lift the FA Cup, and they previous crests.
years, the Blues became the first side to sign
a penalty shoot-out against Gillingham in the qualify for the 2011/12 Champions League for 2016 Pep Guardiola replaces outgoing
three individual £1m+ players (Kevin Reeves
Division Two Play-Off. the first time too! manager Manuel Pellegrini who lifts the
& Trevor Francis were the other two).
2012 City win the League Championship for League Cup in his final season in charge
2000s
1980s the first time in 44 years following a thrilling of the club.
2000 City return to the Premier League
1981 City reach the 100th FA Cup final against Premier League campaign. A last-gasp 2017 City Football Group confirmed the
following back-to-back promotions. A 4-1
Tottenham Hotspurs. Following a 1-1 draw Sergio Aguero goal against QPR secures acquisition of Uruguayan Football Club,
victory over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park
on the Saturday, a replay was played again the title in the most dramatic of fashions at Club Atletico Torque and a 44.3 per cent
to seal promotion is followed by a celebratory
at Wembley, regarded as one of the most a jubilant Etihad Stadium. stake in La Liga side Girona
pitch invasion by the Blues’ enormous
entertaining Cup finals ever. City were narrowly 2013 New York City FC is announced – 2018 Pep Guardiola oversees a record-breaking
travelling support.
defeated 3-2 following a famous Ricky Villa goal the partnership between Manchester City 2017/18 season for Manchester City which saw
but for City fans, Steve MacKenzie’s 30-yard 2002 Future manager Stuart Pearce captains
and the New York Yankees. the Club lift the Premier League trophy for a
volley was the better strike. City as they are promoted back to the
Manuel Pellegrini, former manager of Malaga third time, become the first side to reach 100
Premiership, breaking club records for the
1986 City play in the inaugural Full Members’ joins Manchester City in June. points and lift the Carabao Cup after a 3-0 win
most goals scored and most points gained in
Cup final at Wembley before a crowd of 68,000. over Arsenal at Wembley.
a season along the way. 2014 City complete a domestic double by
1987 A club record 10-1 demolition of beating West Ham United 2-0 on the final day
2003 It’s an emotional farewell to Maine Road
Huddersfield Town is recorded at of the season to claim their second Premier
as City’s home for 80 years stages its last
Maine Road. League title in three years, adding to the League
football match, City vs. Southampton on
1989 City are promoted in dramatic style in the 11th May. The Club make the move to the Cup won after a dramatic Wembley comeback
last game of the season at Bradford. against Sunderland in March. The Blues also
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 08
THE TRANSFORMATION
OF MANCHESTER CITY
IN SEPTEMBER 2008, SHEIKH MANSOUR
BOUGHT MANCHESTER CITY FC AND
OUTLINED HIS VISION OF CREATING
A SUSTAINABLE AND SUCCESSFUL
FOOTBALL CLUB WITH THE FANS AT
ITS HEART.
City completed the signing of Robinho on the same 93:20 Cityitis, Typical City, this could only happen to City, After a tricky start in which the Blues failed to win
day the takeover was announced which pointed But of course no history of Manchester City they said, until… away from home until mid-October, City soon found
sincere ambition to transform the fortunes of this is complete without the remarkable events their rhythm and set about smashing a whole host
Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko headed the Blues level
English institution. of 13 May 2012 - the final day of the Premier of records.
in the first minute of injury time, a goal that gave City
League season.
Carlos Tevez, Vincent Kompany and Nigel de Jong a glimmer of hope but surely it was still too late? Pellegrini’s side reached the Champions League
soon followed as the club set about propelling itself After running down an eight point gap on rivals Round of 16 for the first time in their history, before
Not so, as Sergio Aguero impossibly stayed on his
back into the upper reaches of the Premier League Manchester United with just six games remaining, becoming the fastest club in Premier League history
feet to ride a couple of sliding tackles and with one
and challenging for silverware once more. City knew that victory over QPR at the Etihad Stadium to score 100 competitive goals in all competitions.
definitive lash of that exquisite right foot, ended 44
would guarantee a first ever Premier League title and
Former Inter coach Roberto Mancini was appointed years of hurt for hundreds of thousands of City fans City’s goalscoring exploits became their most potent
crown them English champions for the first time in
manager in December 2009 and added David Silva around the globe. weapon as the Blues would go on to net an incredible
44 years.
and Yaya Toure to his squad in the summer of 2010. 102 league goals – the second-highest Premier
Although the Blues were unable to recapture their title
It was all going so well when Pablo Zabaleta gave League tally on record.
What followed were seasons that City fans of a in the following season, City did return to Wembley
the Blues the lead on the stroke of half-time but
certain age could never have dreamed of. for an FA Cup final against Wigan, only to fall to a That feat also presented another impressive
two second-half goals from the visitors turned the
last-gasp Ben Watson header which condemned the achievement, as it had been the first time a team had
Landmarks came thick and fast, with City qualifying match on its head and a stadium which was having
Blues to defeat. boasted three different players (Sergio Aguero, Edin
for the UEFA Champions League for the first time a party soon became a home to nerves, panic and
Dzeko and Yaya Toure) to score more than 15
in 2010/11 and ending the 35 year trophy drought desperation. That summer, radical changes were made as Mancini
league goals.
with an FA Cup win in the same year after the 1-0 was replaced by Manuel Pellegrini and five new stars
What followed were 24 agonising minutes when QPR
Wembley win over Stoke City. in the shape of Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, Alvaro In March 2014, Pellegrini received his first English
defended for their lives with 10 men packed inside
Negredo, Stevan Jovetic and Martin Demichelis were trophy, having masterminded a thrilling win in the
their penalty area, blocking every City shot and, as
brought in. Capital One Cup final, ensuring his side claimed
the game entered its 90th minute, commentators and
the trophy for the first time since 1976.
pundits were already concocting their own epitaphs
for City’s title race.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 09
Then in May, although it had looked as though City With the crucial experience of that first campaign CFA The City Football Academy includes…
had surrendered their challenge for the Premier under his belt, Pep then truly made his mark on
Off the pitch, City’s new youth development • A new Academy for up to 400 young
League crown, the Chilean secured the domestic the English game in what was a record-breaking
and first team training centre – the City Football players with classrooms for 200
title with a 2-0 victory over West Ham at the Etihad 2017/18 season.
Academy (CFA) was opened in 2014.
Stadium. The triumph secured a league and cup • On site accommodation for junior and
Pep guided City to both the Premier League title as
double for the Blues – a feat last accomplished The CFA accommodates not only all senior players
well as the Carabao Cup with a thrilling, attacking
in 1970. playing squads, but also the majority of
style of football that garnered worldwide praise. • 16.5 football pitches, 12 of them dedicated to
Manchester based staff in one connected
Two years on, City lifted the League Cup for a second In the process, City broke numerous domestic players aged from 8 to 21
operational base.
time in three seasons. Manuel Pellegrini announced records, becoming the first English side to win 100
his departure from the club as former Barcelona and points in a season, most away points (50), most It is a global headquarters for those in the wider • A state of the art first team building with changing
Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola was named wins (32), most away wins (16) and most goals (106). City Football family, which now includes clubs rooms, gym, refectory and injury and rehab
as his replacement. New York City FC, Melbourne City FC, Yokohama centre
F. Marinos, Club Atletico Torque and Girona FC. • A 7,000 capacity stadium for youth matches
Pep officially took over at Manchester City in July
2016 and in his first season at the helm, guided the The project was underpinned by ambitious local • Staff offices and a dedicated media centre
Club to a third-place finish in the Premier League recruitment that significantly up-skilled the local
community and made a positive • A bridge linking the site to the Etihad Stadium
as well as to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
economic impact on the surrounding area. and the rest of the Etihad Campus.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 10CITY FOOTBALL GROUP
MANCHESTER CITY
The Club was granted entry to the FA Women’s Super In the 2015 campaign, the Club finished second place
League in April 2013 and subsequently re-launched in the FA WSL and with it secured their place in the
as Manchester City Women’s Football Club in UEFA Women’s Champions League for the 2016
WOMEN’S TEAM
January 2014. season, which saw them go on to make the semi-final
in their inaugural UWCL season.
The Club mirrors and benefits from its association
with its male equivalent and is structured in all In 2016, the Club celebrated their most successful
aspects of its operations to take advantage of season to date being crowned the FA WSL
the resources of the wider organisation – from Champions for the first time in their history, lifting the
community programmes, to youth development, FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup for a second time
FORMERLY KNOWN AS MANCHESTER CITY scouting, coaching, sports science, digital coverage and becoming Women’s FA Cup winners in another
LADIES FC, THE CLUB WAS FOUNDED IN and first team football operations. historic first. The Club’s success continued through
into 2017 and in 2018 as City reached the semi-finals
1988 BY CITY IN THE COMMUNITY. IN THE In their inaugural season under Head Coach Nick
Cushing, Manchester City Women’s Football Club
of the UEFA Women’s Champions League in both
seasons, being edged out on both occasions by
25 YEARS SINCE THEN, THEIR AFFILIATION made history when they clinched their first ever
trophy, the FA WSL Continental Cup.
eventual winners Olympique Lyon.
WITH THE MEN’S TEAM HAS TAKEN VARIOUS
FORMS, CULMINATING IN THE STATEMENT OF
A FORMAL PARTNERSHIP WITH MANCHESTER
CITY IN AUGUST 2012.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 12MELBOURNE
The Club, formerly known as Melbourne Heart FC, City had a particularly strong start and finish to the
was established in 2009, inspired by a vision for a season, with a mid-season boost provided by the
broad-based community team, celebrating cultural emergence of now 19-year-old Daniel Arzani, who
CITY FC
diversity and sporting passion through football. has since become the youngest player at the 2018
Becoming known as Melbourne City FC in 2014, the FIFA World Cup in Russia. Arzani’s former Y-League
Club is wholly owned by City Football Group (CFG) teammate, the then-17-year-old Nathaniel Atkinson,
and plays its home games at the 30,000 capacity also made his A-League debut, making a total of 16
AAMI Park stadium in Melbourne, where the Club starts in the 17-18 season.
celebrated its first ever men’s silverware, the
In January 2018, Scottish international Ross
MELBOURNE CITY FOOTBALL CLUB FFA Cup, in November 2016.
McCormack joined City on loan from Aston Villa to
COMPETES IN THE MAJOR AUSTRALIAN Under newly appointed manager Warren Joyce,
Melbourne City’s men’s team finished the Hyundai
replace injured striker Bruno Fornaroli for a four-month
stretch, making a major impact in that time, with 14
DOMESTIC COMPETITION, THE HYUNDAI A-League 17-18 season with a record third-place
league finish and progressed to the Semis of the
goals in 16 games.
A-LEAGUE AND THE FOXTEL NATIONAL post-season Finals Series. The team only narrowly
YOUTH LEAGUE. missed out on a place in the Grand Final and were
denied a place in the Asian Champions League in
an unprecedented administrative scenario.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 13MELBOURNE CITY
Melbourne City FC commenced its inaugural In 2018, Melbourne City’s women’s team won their
Westfield W-League campaign in October 2015, after third consecutive W-League Grand Final under the
Football Federation Australia confirmed the Club’s leadership of former-Melbourne City player and
WOMEN’S FC
application for entry into the women’s domestic current-Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo, and Player-
competition in May 2015. Manager and Wales international, Jess Fishlock.
England international Jodie Taylor joined Melbourne
In their inaugural season, the team had a 100 per cent
City from Arsenal Women, making six appearances.
record, winning 12 consecutive league matches and
clinching the Premier’s Plate and securing a historic
double, winning the 2016 Grand Final.
MELBOURNE CITY WOMEN’S FC WAS In 2017, they made history again when they won the
FOUNDED IN 2015 AND COMPETES IN Grand Final for a second consecutive year, becoming
THE W-LEAGUE, THE TOP DIVISION OF the first team in the history to achieve that feat.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IN AUSTRALIA.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 14NEW YORK
NYCFC came into existence as Major League Following an eighth place finish in the Eastern
Soccer’s 20th franchise on 21 May 2013 and debuted Conference during 2015’s inaugural campaign,
against Orlando City SC on 8 March 8 2015. NYCFC bounced back to secure their first ever MLS
CITY FC
Playoff appearance in just their second season of
Majority owned by City Football Group, New York
existence, finishing 2016 with more goals than any
City FC plays its home games at the iconic Yankee
other team, resulting in a second place finish in the
Stadium, which is also home to minority owner,
Eastern Conference. Villa also showed his dominance
the New York Yankees.
in the 2016 MLS campaign, earning the Landon
Sporting Director Claudio Reyna, the former Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player, scoring a
NEW YORK CITY FC IS THE FIRST AND Manchester City FC and United States international
player, has formed a roster that boasts global
club-high 23 goals in the season.
ONLY MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER TEAM TO superstars, MLS and international veterans, as well
In 2017, the Club continued their excellent form
finishing in second place in the Eastern Conference
PLAY IN THE FIVE BOROUGHS OF NEW as some of the United States’ rising stars. Domènec
Torrent, the former Manchester City, Bayern Munich
once again. Midway through 2018, NYCFC are in
good position in the league and one of the favorites
YORK CITY. SINCE NYCFC’S INCARNATION and FC Barcelona assistant under Pep Guardiola for
the past 11 years, was appointed in June 2018 as
to hoist the MLS Cup.
IN 2015, THE CLUB HAS CEMENTED ITS the Club’s third head coach.
STATUS AS A CORNERSTONE IN THE Spain’s all-time record goal scorer, David Villa,
LANDSCAPE OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S became NYCFC’s first-ever signing and captain on
June 2, 2014. This was followed by Chelsea legend
MOST COMPETITIVE AND PROUDEST Frank Lampard and a year later, in the midst of the
SPORTING CITIES. club’s inaugural season. FIFA World Cup winning
midfielder Andrea Pirlo became the third Designated
Player in club history.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 15YOKOHAMA
F. MARINOS
IN MAY 2014 CITY FOOTBALL GROUP
ANNOUNCED AN INVESTMENT AND
PARTNERSHIP WHICH SAW THE
GROUP BECOME A MINORITY
SHAREHOLDER OF THE YOKOHAMA
F. MARINOS (YF MARINOS).
The deal represented the first significant foreign “We’re thrilled to be able to play a role in investing and In forming this partnership, YF Marinos gained
investment in a J-League soccer club and was building on the on-going success of YF Marinos,” unrivalled access to CFG’s training methods,
designed to create new global opportunities for the said Ferran Soriano, CEO, City Football Group. medical care, sport science, team management and
YF Marinos and Japanese soccer talent. “We are proud to offer a collaborative and integrated coaching know-how, providing a motivational draw
approach to the football, marketing, media and for young Japanese players and placing the club in
The deal also sees CFG collaborate with YF Marinos,
commercial development of all the clubs in the pole position to support the national team efforts of
exposing them to a world-class soccer infrastructure
City family. creating a world-class team for the future.
and network not seen before in the J-League but that
has achieved popular acclaim and real success with “At the same time, we are proud that each of our As a global brand, Nissan stands for innovation to
teams like Manchester City. clubs is firmly rooted and invested in its local excite their consumer, a brand essence shared by
community as well as connected and engaged with City Football Group. With this shared purpose the two
“The YF Marinos is an excellent soccer club with
its supporter base. We are very much looking forward partners will explore further global joint opportunities
a rich history which has grown hand in hand with
to starting our collaboration.” in the coming months.
Nissan. Together we see opportunities that CFG’s
global soccer infrastructure will bring to the club and The globally innovative partnership between business
the excitement it will bring to the fans,” said Carlos and sport provides the four times Asia champions,
Ghosn, Nissan President and CEO. “This partnership and three times J-league champions, in-depth
will contribute to the growth of the club, the growth knowledge and experience across the CFG global
of our shared hometown, Yokohama, as well as network which consists of Manchester City’s senior,
Yokosuka and Japanese soccer.” youth and women’s teams, Melbourne City and
New York City Football Club.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 16CLUB ATLETICO
TORQUE
CA TORQUE IS A URUGUAYAN
FOOTBALL CLUB FOUNDED
IN DECEMBER 2007.
The club competes within the Uruguayan Football CA Torque is currently managed by Pablo Marini,
Federation and is based in Montevideo, the capital who is accompanied on the coaching staff by
city of Uruguay. Acquired by City Football Group in Federico Arias as an assistant coach and Adrian
December 2016, Torque joined Manchester City, Rocamora and Tomas Marini as the fitness coaches.
New York City, Melbourne City and Yokohama On the 3rd of February 2018, CA Torque made
F-Marinos as part of the group and were closely its debut in the First Division against Nacional
followed by the most recent acquisition, Girona FC. Montevideo in the legendary Centenario Stadium
in the capital of Uruguay.
In the 2017 season, CA Torque won the Second
Division championship and achieved historic
promotion to the First Division, becoming the
youngest club in the history of the Uruguayan
Federation to be promoted to the top-tier.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 17GIRONA FC
Established in 1930, Girona have a rich history in Girona made an impressive impact in La Liga,
Spanish football. In May 2017, Girona won promotion finishing 10th in their first season and only
to La Liga for the first time in its history, having narrowly missing out on a Europa League place.
reached the play-offs three times in the previous Striker Cristhian Stuani also made the La Liga
four seasons. top goalscorers list, coming fifth after netting
IN AUGUST 2017, GIRONA FC Girona recently appointed Eusebio Sacristán as their
21 goals overall.
BECAME THE NEWEST ADDITION manager. Sacristán enjoyed a stellar playing career in
Spain, representing Real Valladolid, Atletico Madrid,
The club will now look to build on this progress
and continue their development alongside
TO CITY FOOTBALL GROUP. Barcelona and Celta de Vigo. He also earned 15 caps
with the Spanish national team. He joined Girona from
Spain’s top teams.
fellow La Liga side Real Sociedad.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 18MANAGEMENT
JOSEP ‘PEP’ GUARDIOLA CARLES
MANAGER PLANCHART
DATE OF BIRTH: DATE OF BIRTH:
18 JANUARY 1971 17 DECEMBER 1965
PLACE OF BIRTH: PLACE OF BIRTH:
SANTPEDOR, BARCELONA,
SPAIN SPAIN
JOINED CITY: JOINED CITY:
JULY 2016 JULY 2016
Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola joined City as one of the most Performance Analyst Carles Planchart has worked with
successful coaches of the modern era, and with Pep since he moved into management in 2007.
a reputation for managing sides that play with an
entertaining, attacking brand of football. At Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Carles analysed the
collective, individual, strategic and tactical aspects of
A five-time La Liga-winning midfielder with Barcelona the team’s play after which Pep would often work
and Spain international, Pep moved effortlessly into one-on-one with a player to help enhance particular
coaching and became the Spanish club’s head coach areas of their game.
in 2008. Barca won the Spanish title three years in a
row and the Champions League twice in Pep’s time at Like all the Club’s backroom room team, Carles is
the Nou Camp, when he worked with global superstars renowned for his attention to detail and his impact
including Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry has been felt across the first team.
and Yaya Toure.
He left Barca in 2012, and after deciding to take time
away from the game he took over at Bayern Munich.
He further enhanced his reputation while in Germany,
winning the Bundesliga three times before agreeing to
join Manchester City for the start of the 2016-17 season.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 20RODOLFO MIKEL
BORRELL ARTETA
DATE OF BIRTH: DATE OF BIRTH:
31 JANUARY 1971 26 MARCH 1982
PLACE OF BIRTH: PLACE OF BIRTH:
BARCELONA, SAN SEBASTIÁN,
SPAIN SPAIN
JOINED CITY: JOINED CITY:
JULY 2016 JULY 2016
Rodolfo Borrell has established a glowing reputation for Mikel joined Pep’s backroom team in 2016.
nurturing some of football’s most precocious talents.
Mikel brought a wealth of elite playing experience with
It was Borrell who was Lionel Messi’s first coach at him when he moved. He started his football career with
Barcelona and he also helped the development of Barcelona’s junior sides before spending time on loan
Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta during his time at with Paris St Germain and eventually joining Glasgow
the Camp Nou. Rangers.
He was Technical Director and Head of Coaching for He stayed at Ibrox for two years before returning to Spain
Liverpool FC’s Academy after Rafa Benitez brought with Real Sociedad, but after just one season, headed
him to England in 2009 and helped bring through the back to the UK, this time with Everton.
likes of Raheem Sterling, before leaving in 2014.
He stayed at Goodison Park for seven years, playing
Rodolfo then joined City where he initially worked as more than 200 games for the Toffees, leaving for Arsenal
the Academy Technical Director, looking after the youth in 2011.
teams from U21s down to U9s before then joining Pep’s
backroom team where he has proved to be a Arteta made close to 150 starts for Arsene Wenger’s
key addition to the coaching team. side, before then moving to City to launch his coaching
career where he has made a big impact.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 21LORENZO
BUENAVENTURA
DATE OF BIRTH:
9 NOVEMBER 1962
PLACE OF BIRTH:
SEVILLE,
SPAIN
JOINED CITY:
JULY 2016
Fitness Coach Lorenzo Buenaventura has been working
with Pep since 2008 at Barcelona.
After helping shape Barcelona and Bayern into two of
Europe’s most intensive sides, Lorenzo’s impact has
also been evident since his move to Manchester.
Lorenzo’s attention to detail has helped City build up
their stamina and pace which is a trademark of every
team Pep has managed, as well as assisting with the
development of an aggressive press that requires
optimum fitness levels.
Lorenzo is involved in planning specific training sessions
and individual programmes and has also established
an unrivalled reputation for helping injured players
rehabilitate.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 22THE PLAYERS
GOALKEEPERS AYMERIC LAPORTE TS FABIAN DELPH PATRICK ROBERTS TS
EDERSON MORAES DANILO LEROY SANE TS DOUGLAS LUIZ TS
CLAUDIO BRAVO TS JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE DAVID SILVA JACK HARRISON TS
JOE HART TS TYREKE WILSON TS FERNANDINHO
DANIEL GRIMSHAW TS CAMERON HUMPHREYS TS BERNARDO SILVA TS – New York & Miami STRIKERS
ARIJANET MURIC TS NATHANAEL OGBETA TS RIYAD MAHREZ TS SERGIO AGUERO
JASON DENAYER TS PHIL FODEN TS GABRIEL JESUS
DEFENDERS ELIAQUIM MANGALA OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO TS LUKAS NMECHA TS
VINCENT KOMPANY ERIC GARCIA TS BRAHIM DIAZ TS RABBI MATONDO TS
JOHN STONES TOM DELE-BASHIRU TS LUKE BOLTON TS
NICOLAS OTAMENDI MIDFIELDERS BENJAMIN GARRE TS NABIL TOUAIZI TS
TOSIN ADARABIOYO TS RAHEEM STERLING IKER POZO TS BERSANT CELINA
BENJAMIN MENDY TS – Miami ILKAY GUNDOGAN FELIX NMECHA THIERRY AMBROSE
KYLE WALKER KEVIN DE BRUYNE IAN POVEDA
TS = TRAVELLING SQUAD Squad list correct at time of going to press.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 23GOALKEEPERS
EDERSON CLAUDIO
MORAES BRAVO
DATE OF BIRTH: DATE OF BIRTH:
17 AUGUST 1993 13 APRIL 1983
PLACE OF BIRTH: PLACE OF BIRTH:
SÃO PAULO, VILUCO,
BRAZIL CHILE
The Brazilian goalkeeper, who impressed for the Possessing excellent reflexes and distribution, the Claudio Bravo arrived at City in August 2016. The Chilean He moved to Barcelona in 2014 and has won eight
Portuguese champions throughout the 2016/17 left-footed Ederson is also quick to spot any potential goalkeeper joined the Blues from Barcelona after signing different title in just two years with the Catalans, playing
campaign, joined City on 1 July 2017. danger, rushing out to clear his lines and snuff out any a four-year-deal. 75 games and being named in the 2014/15 La Liga Team
potential danger. of the Season.
Born Ederson Santana de Moraes, he began his career Bravo brings with him a wealth of experience including
as a youth with São Paulo FC, spending two years before His reputation for point-blank saves quickly made him back-to-back La Liga titles with Barca and successive He was also voted Copa America’s best goalkeeper in
joining second tier Portuguese outfit Ribeirão in 2011. a popular figure among the Benfica supporters. Copa America triumphs with Chile with whom the 33 2015 and 2016 as well as earning a place in the Team of
year-old has won 106 caps and also the captain. the Tournament each time. Claudio made his City debut
The promising teenager played 30 games before signing The Brazilian goalkeeper enjoyed a magnificent first
in the September 2016 Manchester derby.
Primeira Liga side Rio Ave after just a season. season with City impressing everyone with his agility, He won his 100th international cap in the Copa America
bravery and all-round presence in goal. His pin-point Centenario as Chile beat Argentina in the final on Claudio captained Chile to the 2017 Confederations Cup
He would stay with Rio Ave for three seasons, playing
distribution caught the eye as did his monstrous boot penalties and is the first Chilean to win a century of caps final against Germany.
63 games in all competitions and catching the notice of
and Ederson ended the campaign not only a title - he has also played more times for his country than any
many of Portugal’s bigger clubs including Benfica who
winner but also part of Brazil’s World Cup squad. other Chile player. The Chilean goalkeeper emerged as a key figure as City
bought the youngster in 2015.
lifted the 2018 Carabao Cup. He was the hero in two
Born in Viluco, Chile, Bravo started his career with
He played several games for Benfica B and was initially penalty shoot-out victories as the Club overcame Wolves
Colo-Colo. His father noticed Claudio’s talent and
understudy to Brazil’s national team first choice keeper and Leicester City on spot-kicks en route to reaching the
elected to drive his son to the training ground of
Julio Cesar before becoming Benfica’s first choice final where City overcame Arsenal 3-0 at Wembley.
Colo-Colo, where he would sign for the academy
throughout the 2016/17 campaign as the Eagles secured
of Chile’s most successful club.
a league and cup double.
Bravo initially grabbed Colo-Colo’s attention as a striker
but after short stints in midfield and defensive roles, he
asked to be played in goal for the club’s ‘Cadete’ team
and that is where he would stay, flourishing in his new
position.He would go on to make 123 appearances for
Colo-Colo between 2002 and 2006 before joining Real
Sociedad on the recommendation of Xabier Mancisidor
who is now City’s goalkeeping coach.Bravo remained
for with The Royals for eight years, clocking up 237
starts – plus one goal against Gimnastic in 2010.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 25JOE DANIEL
HART GRIMSHAW
DATE OF BIRTH: DATE OF BIRTH:
19 APRIL 1987 16 JANUARY 1998
PLACE OF BIRTH: PLACE OF BIRTH:
SHREWSBURY, MANCHESTER,
ENGLAND ENGLAND
Joe moved to City from his home town club Shrewsbury Around this time his season-long loan to promoted Life-long City fan Daniel Grimshaw has been training
Town in May 2006. Birmingham City was also confirmed. A resounding with the club since he was five years old, and developing
success at St Andrews, he was named in the PFA through the Academy age groups from the age of eight.
His professional career with the Shrews began in the
Team of the Year and included in Fabio Capello’s
2003-04 season, when he played twice in the Football The Manchester-born goalkeeper has excellent
England squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Conference, before he became their first-choice keeper distribution and handling, and has impressed on foreign
in the 2005-06 campaign. He did not play during that ill-fated campaign, but he shores in a City shirt, including tournaments in Singapore
impressed Roberto Mancini enough in pre-season to get and Qatar.
He was already an England Under 19 ‘keeper when
the nod as City’s first-choice goalkeeper for the start of
he joined the Blues and made his first team debut on His talent and drive convinced Academy staff he was
2010-11, helping the Blues end a trophy drought of 35
October 14, 2006 against Sheffield United, keeping worthy of a two-year scholarship with City during which
years by claiming the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Stoke.
a clean sheet in a goalless draw. he competed for the number one role in the U18s with
From the first match of that season, when Joe was Kjetil Haug.
Joe was loaned out to Tranmere Rovers at the start of
awarded man of the match in the 0-0 draw with
January 2007 and was almost immediately selected for Grimshaw helped City to the U18 Premier League title
Tottenham, he cemented his reputation as one of
England’s Under 21s, making a second half appearance and FA Youth Cup final in 2015/16.
the most assured goalkeepers in Europe.
against Spain in a 2-2 draw.
He was City’s elected UEFA Youth League goalkeeper
He also became England’s undisputed no.1, and earned
Further experience was gained on loan at Blackpool, in 2016/17.
the first of four Golden Gloves awards for the Premier
and when he returned to City he worked hard to become
League in City’s title-winning 2011-12 campaign.
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s first-choice stopper. The Manchester-born goalkeeper recently signed a
Joe went on to win a second Premier League and two new three-year contract with the club and after being
The 31-year-old won his first senior England cap in June
Capital One Cups as well as playing at the World Cup in promoted to the first-team squad last season will be
2008 against Trinidad and Tobago. He then started the
2014 and the European Championships two years later. looking to kick on again in 2018/19 after making 15
following season as City’s number one but was replaced
appearances for the EDS and Under-19s in 2017/18.
by Shay Given in January 2009. Joe joined Torino on a season-long loan on August 31,
2016 and spent the 2017/18 campaign on loan with
Having topped 50 first team appearances for City, Joe
West Ham United.
spent the summer of 2009 playing for England’s Under
21s in the European Championships in Sweden.
The dramatic penalty shoot-out in the semi-final saw
Joe save a couple, and score one - but a yellow card,
his second of the tournament, meant that he had to
sit out the final.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 26ARIJANET
MURIC
DATE OF BIRTH:
7 NOVEMBER 1998
PLACE OF BIRTH:
ZURICH,
SWITZERLAND
Swiss youth international Arijanet Muric arrived at the
Club in March 2015 from Grasshopper Club Zurich.
Standing at 6’6, Aro allies an imposing frame with
excellent reflexes to make him a commanding shot-
stopper and comfortable with the ball at his feet, he is
certainly a modern goalkeeper.
He played regularly for the U18s during the 2016/17
season, making 18 league appearances as the young
Blues swept all before them to finish unbeaten as U18
Premier League North champions.
He also had the honour of being No.1 for the FA Youth
Cup campaign, playing all seven games and keeping
two clean sheets as City finished runners-up for a third
consecutive year.
Aro signed a new three-year contract in July 2017 and
was part of the first team squad that toured the United
States last summer.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 27DEFENDERS
VINCENT JOHN
KOMPANY STONES
DATE OF BIRTH: DATE OF BIRTH:
10 APRIL 1986 28 MAY 1994
PLACE OF BIRTH: PLACE OF BIRTH:
UCCLE, BARNSLEY,
BELGIUM ENGLAND
Captain, leader, defensive rock – Vincent Kompany is Handed the club captaincy by Roberto Mancini, John Stones joined City from Everton on 9 August 2016. A maturity beyond his years was evident in these first
one of the most decorated skippers in the club’s history. Vincent continued in the role following the arrival of steps up the professional ladder, prompting Everton to
The England international defender penned a six-year
Manuel Pellegrini in 2013, and led City to the Premier snap him up on a five-and-a-half-year deal on the final
Strong in the air, comfortable on the ball, accurate in deal which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until at
League the following year. day of the 2013 January transfer window.
the tackle and always ready to nip in and pinch the ball least 2022. Stones became City’s eighth signing of the
off a striker’s toes, the Belgian was a bargain buy when He showed his worth as the man for the big occasion 2016 summer transfer window, following in the footsteps Stones didn’t make his senior debut for the Toffees
bought from Hamburg at just £6million in 2008. with impressive displays against Europe’s elite in the of Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Aleksandar Zinchenko, Aaron until the following season when, on 28 August 2013, he
Champions League, scored the second goal against Mooy, Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus and Marlos Moreno. appeared in the League Cup win over Stevenage and
A natural leader, he was handed the armband in 2011
West Ham in the victory that clinched the title and his Premier League bow followed a month later as a late
and has since captained the side to three Premier The 22-year old, widely regarded as one of the world’s
lifted the Capital One Cup in 2014 and 2016. substitute in their 1-0 victory against Chelsea.
League titles and three Capital One Cup triumphs. most promising centre backs, spent more than three
Injuries have kept Vincent away for frustrating spells in years at Everton where he built a reputation as a That was one of 26 games he took part in during the
Multi-lingual and multi-talented, Kompany began
recent seasons, but each time he has fought back to ball-playing, 21st century defender, equally adept at 2013/14 season and he made two more than that in
his career with Anderlecht, a series of composed
reclaim his place at the heart of the side. neutralising opposition attacks as launching the first key 2014/15, scoring his first Premier League goal against
performances in the Belgian Premier League and
pass out of the defensive third. Manchester United in April 2015 towards the end of a
Champions League attracting interest from across Also a key part of Belgium’s talented national team, he
season in which he earned a nomination for Europe’s
the continent. featured at the 2014 World Cup but injury kept him out Stones represented England at U19, U20 and U21 level
“Golden Boy” award – a title that eventually went to his
of the squad for Euro 2016 – although the BBC were before making his senior international debut on 30 May
Two years at Hamburg was enough to convince Mark new teammate, Raheem Sterling.
quick to call upon his services as an articulate and 2014 in a 3-0 friendly victory over Peru at Wembley.
Hughes to bring Vincent to City in August 2008, one of
perceptive pundit. After a fine first season with the club, John began the
the Welshman’s most astute buys in his time at the Club. He made his competitive debut for the Three Lions in the
2017/18 campaign in superb fashion before his progress
The City skipper was back at his commanding best in Euro 2016 qualifying opener against Switzerland where
Initially a defensive midfielder, Vincent shifted back was interrupted by a hamstring injury but he returned to
the 2017/18 campaign, leading the Club to Carabao Cup Roy Hodgson’s side got off to the perfect start with a 2-0
into central defence with aplomb and became the both claim his place in England’s World Cup finals squad
glory against Arsenal at Wembley before then becoming away win and John was included in the squad for the
figure around which successive Blues backlines have and claim his first silverware with City.
City’s most successful-ever captain, lifting the Premier finals this summer.
been built.
League trophy for a third time. Kompany then jetted out
Rising up from the youth ranks at his hometown club
Having helped win the FA Cup in 2011, he was a key to Russia as part of Belgium’s World Cup squad.
Barnsley, Stones went on to make his professional
figure in the title triumph of 2012, bagging the winning
debut for the Tykes against Reading on 17 March 2011,
goal in a Manchester derby victory that proved vital in
going on to make 28 appearances in total for the South
the final dramatic outcome.
Yorkshire side.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 29NICOLAS AYMERIC
OTAMENDI LAPORTE
DATE OF BIRTH: DATE OF BIRTH:
12 FEBRUARY 1988 27 MAY 1994
PLACE OF BIRTH: PLACE OF BIRTH:
BUENOS AIRES, AGEN,
ARGENTINA FRANCE
A tough Argentine international teammate of Sergio 2011-12 and made it a hat-trick of league titles the The French centre back joined City from Athletic Bilbao Impressed by his skill and potential, Bilbao quickly
Aguero, Martin Demichelis and Pablo Zabaleta, Nicolas following season. in January 2018, becoming Pep Guardiola’s sixth signing secured his services and he went on to become a
Otamendi joined City from Valencia in the 2015-16 of the 2017/18 season, penning a deal until 2023. He first-team regular. Aymeric played 222 times for Bilbao,
Nicolas was becoming a runaway success, playing week
summer transfer window. made his debut in a 3-0 win over West Brom and quickly scoring 10 goals during his six-season stint
in, week out for the top club in Portugal but in February
settled in with a series of calm, measured displays to
Nicolas was born in El Talar, a small neighbourhood in 2014 he agreed a move across the border to Valencia. In the 2015/16 campaign, he helped Bilbao to Supercopa
help City secure their third Premier League crown.
the Argentine capital city Buenos Aires. He shared his de Espana glory – their first piece of major silverware for
Otamendi was immediately loaned out upon arrival at
time between boxing and football while growing up, The 24-year-old is regarded as one of the most 31 years.
the Mestalla, spending the summer at Atletico Mineiro
building up his strength in a local gym with his cousin. promising young defenders in Europe, Laporte is a left-
in Brazil. Laporte has represented France 41 times at Under-17,
footed defender, recognised for his calmness, strength
He joined Velez Sarsfield, one of Argentina’s most Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 levels and was captain
He returned to help Los Che qualify for the Champions and passing ability. He began his senior career with
famous and successful clubs, as a youngster and made of the side that reached the European Championships
League for the first time in four years. He was the only Bilbao in 2012, after representing their B side and
his debut for the first team in 2008 aged 20. five years ago though he is yet to win a senior cap.
Valencia player named in the La Liga Team of the Year gaining first-team experience with CD Basconia.
Nicolas was called up by Argentine national team for the 2014-15 season, before making his move to City.
Standing at six feet, three inches, Aymeric began his
coach Diego Maradona for a friendly with Panama in
His Blues debut came as a substitute at home to senior career with Basconia and joined Bilbao in 2012,
2009. At the time of his selection he had only played 11
Juventus, but he was soon featuring regularly in the making his debut at 18-years-old against Celta Vigo.
professional games and started the match on 20 May,
starting line-up. He was named in the 2013/14 La Liga Team of the Year,
helping his side to a 3–1 win.
aged only 20.
His first goal for the Club came courtesy of a powerful
Still only 21, Nicolas was voted into El Pais’ South
header against Norwich, and he won silverware in his
American Team of the Year for 2009, with the paper
first season at City in the shape of the Capital One
describing him as “one of the revelations of the year”.
Cup. On the international front, Nicolas was part of the
Despite his young age, he was a fixture in the first-team
Argentina side that were losing finalists in the 2016 Copa
and made waves across the continent for both club
America.
and country.
By 2010, he had made 10 appearances for Argentina, The Argentine central defender enjoyed his finest season
including a starring role at the World Cup in South Africa, yet at the Club in 2017/18 and his impact was recognised
and he was snapped up by Porto in August of that year. by his fellow professionals with Nicolas being named
in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. His
Porto won the Portuguese league, domestic cup and
memorable campaign saw yet more success with his
the Europa League, where they beat Portuguese rivals
selection as part of Argentina’s World Cup squad.
Braga, in his first season. They retained the league in
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2018 30BENJAMIN KYLE
MENDY WALKER
DATE OF BIRTH: DATE OF BIRTH:
17 JULY 1994 28 MAY 1990
PLACE OF BIRTH: PLACE OF BIRTH:
LONGJUMEAU, SHEFFIELD,
FRANCE ENGLAND
Benjamin Mendy joined the Club from AS Monaco in Mendy’s performances were recognised in the end-of- Kyle Walker joined City from Tottenham on a five-year In 2012, he was rewarded for a fine season by picking up
July 2017. season awards in France, with the left-back named in deal in July 2017. the PFA Young Player of the Year award and has twice
the Ligue 1 Team of the Year, and he was widely been named in the PFA Team of the Year.
The 23-year-old France international signed a five-year He opted to take the number two shirt previously worn
regarded as being one of the best attacking full-backs
deal with the Club and wears the number 22 shirt. by Bacary Sagna and became City’s third signing of the He made 228 appearances for Tottenham in all
in the Champions League.
2017 close season. competitions, scoring four goals, and in the 2016/17
Mendy began his career with Le Havre, where he played
He made his senior international debut in March 2017 season helped them to second in the table, their highest
more than 50 league games, before joining Marseille Walker began his career at Sheffield United, where he
and to date has won seven caps for the national side. league finish in the Premier League era
in 2013. spent a short period on loan at Northampton before
Mendy was also part of France’s World Cup finals
returning to Bramall Lane and impressing in the final few The Yorkshire-born defender produced a magnificent
He impressed at the Stade Velodrome, making 101 squad in Russia.
games of the season 2008-09 season as the Blades first season with City following his move from Tottenham
appearances in three seasons and establishing a
Benjamin made an immediate impact at City becoming made the Championship playoffs. with his energy, commitment and ability to add an extra
reputation as one of the best full-backs in the French
a huge favourite with the Club’s supporters before he dimension to City’s attack all stand-out features of the
top flight. The 27-year-old signed for Tottenham that summer and
suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury in Club’s title success. He also rounded off the season on
was immediately loaned back to Sheffield United as part
Last summer, he joined Monaco on a five-year deal late September. World Cup finals duty in Russia with England.
of the deal to ensure his progress continued.
and his arrival saw a significant improvement in results
However, he fought back to return to action before the
for Leonardo Jardim’s side. But after impressing in the opening months of the
end of the season and qualified for a Premier League
2009/10 season, he was recalled to Spurs and made two
Mendy’s energy down the left was key to Monaco’s winners’ title medal.
senior appearances.
attacking style as they won the Ligue 1 title and made it
to the semi-finals of both the Champions League and the Further loan moves followed, to QPR and Aston Villa, in
Coupe de France, scoring 159 goals in all competitions. a bid to secure further first-team experience but in 2011
he forced his way into the Spurs side and became their
Their European run saw them take some notable scalps,
first-choice right-back.
beating Tottenham twice in the group stage, before
knocking City and Borussia Dortmund out of
the competition.
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