PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 MEDIA GUIDE - Manchester City FC
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019
MEDIA GUIDE
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 CHINA
FERRAN SORIANO OFFICER HEAD OF MEDIA RELATIONS ALEX ROWEN
VICKY KLOSS E: simon.heggie@mancity.com STEPHANIE TOMAN
DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL T: +44 161 438 7738 TOBY CRAIG
TXIKI BEGIRISTAIN CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER M: +44 7791 857 452
CONTACTS FOR HONG KONG
ANDY YOUNG
FIRST TEAM MANAGER ALEX ROWEN ALEX ROWEN
PEP GUARDIOLA CHIEF INFRASTRUCTURE MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER STEPHANIE TOMAN
TOBY CRAIG
OFFICER E: alex.rowen@mancity.com
HEAD OF ELITE JON STEMP M: +44 7885 268 047 CONTACTS FOR JAPAN
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD ALEX ROWEN
PAUL HARSLEY CLUB AMBASSADOR CARLOS VICENTE
STEPHANIE TOMAN
MIKE SUMMERBEE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
TOBY CRAIG
HEAD OF RELATIONS MANAGER
GLOBAL FOOTBALL E: carlos.vicente@cityfootball.com CONTACTS FOR
BRIAN MARWOOD M: +44 7850 096 527 COMMUNITY SHIELD
SIMON HEGGIE
TOBY CRAIG ALEX ROWEN
DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND CARLOS VICENTE
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 2019 03
TOUR DESTINATION
OVERVIEW
DATE OPPONENT KICK-OFF TOURNAMENT VENUE
Wednesday West Ham 20:30 Premier League Nanjing Olympic
17 July United (CST) Asia Trophy Sports Centre,
China
Saturday Third place 18:00 Premier League Shanghai
20 July play-off or (CST) Asia Trophy Hongkou
final – TBC Stadium,
China
Wednesday Kitchee 20:00 Friendly Hong Kong
24 July Sports Club (HKT) Stadium,
Hong Kong
Saturday Yokohama F. 19:30 Friendly Nissan Stadium,
27 July Marinos (JST) Yokohama,
Japan
Sunday Liverpool FC 15:00 Community Wembley
4 August (BST) Shield Stadium, UK
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 04
CITY
IN ASIA
CHINA HONG KONG JAPAN
Asia Tour 2019, presented by Visit Abu Dhabi, will see The second leg of the Asia Tour will see the team play The final leg of the Asia Tour will see Manchester “I am also delighted at this opportunity because
the team play in the Premier League Asia Trophy in in Hong Kong against Hong Kong Premier League City play City Football Group sister club, Yokohama we are welcoming City, sister club of Yokohama
Shanghai and Nanjing in China alongside Newcastle champions, Kitchee Sports Club on 24 July 2019 F. Marinos in the Nissan Stadium, Yokohama on F. Marinos, to our home Nissan Stadium. With the
United, West Ham United and Wolverhampton at the Hong Kong Stadium. 27 July 2019. F. Marinos’ attacking style of play, I truly believe
Wanderers. this head-to-head will be an exciting one for the
City last visited Hong Kong in July 2013 when Yokohama F. Marinos play in Japan’s J League and
supporters of the both clubs and wider Japanese
City will play a semi-final match in Nanjing’s Olympic they took part in the Premier League Asia Trophy. have been part of City Football Group since May
football fans.”
Sports Centre on 17 July and the outcome of this After beating South China in the semi-final, City 2014. The match is being held in conjunction with
match will determine whether the team takes place in beat Sunderland in the final to be crowned winners Japan’s leading events management company, Keiji Sugimoto, CEO of Zepp Live, commented:
the third-place play-off or final in Shanghai’s Hongkou of the tournament. Zepp Live Inc. “We are honoured to be able to bring Manchester
Stadium on 20 July. City to play against Yokohama F. Marinos in the
Omar Berrada, Manchester City’s Chief Operating Omar Berrada, Manchester City’s Chief Operating
inaugural EuroJapan Cup this summer. It is a match
Omar Berrada, Manchester City’s Chief Operating Officer, commented: “We are excited to announce Officer, commented: “We are delighted to announce
that not only both City and Marinos fans will enjoy,
Officer, commented: “We are delighted to return our return to Hong Kong for this match. Last time Manchester City’s match in Japan. The Club has a
but also a rare opportunity to watch City, one of
to China and take part in the Premier League we visited Hong Kong, the team went on to lift the passionate fanbase there and we are excited at the
the best clubs in the world, play in Japan.”
Asia Trophy. Premier League trophy later that season so we hope prospect of playing in front of these fans.
this trip will again provide the players with great
“China is a special place for City – it’s where Pep “This will also be a special moment for City Football
preparation for the upcoming campaign. We have
Guardiola began his City tenure in 2016 and we have Group as Manchester City and Yokohama F. Marinos
many passionate followers in Hong Kong, including
a huge number of passionate followers across the come together to play each other in a match that will
a very active supporters club, and we can’t wait to
country. We’re looking forward to hosting exciting provide Pep and his team with great preparation for
play in front of these fans once again.”
events in China and welcoming local fans to the upcoming season.”
our matches.” Wilson Ng, General Manager of Kitchee, commented:
Ryoji Kurosawa, Yokohama F. Marinos’ CEO,
“Our aim is to bring top teams to Hong Kong to
commented: “It is a great pleasure to announce that
compete against Kitchee every summer. We have
Yokohama F. Marinos is playing a friendly against
attracted Manchester City straight after they are
Premier League Champions, Manchester City
taking part in the Premier League Asia Trophy in
this summer.
Shanghai and Nanjing.”
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 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, 1998-99 1986 PLAYER IN A SEASON:
2017-18, 2018-19 38 BY TOMMY JOHNSON
FA CUP WINNERS: FA YOUTH CUP WINNERS: IN DIVISION ONE 1928-29
FOOTBALL LEAGUE RUNNERS-UP: 1904, 1934, 1956, 1969, 2011, 2019 1986, 2008
1903-04, 1920-21, 1976-77, 2012-13, 2014-15 MOST POINTS (2 FOR A WIN):
FA CUP RUNNERS-UP: RESERVE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: 62 IN DIVISION TWO 1946-47
DIVISION ONE CHAMPIONS: 1926, 1933, 1955, 1981, 2013 1977-78, 1986-87, 1999-2000
2001-02 MOST POINTS (3 FOR A WIN):
LEAGUE CUP WINNERS: MOST GOALS IN A SEASON: 100 IN PREMIER LEAGUE 2017-18
DIVISION ONE RUNNERS-UP: 1970, 1976, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 108 IN DIVISION TWO 1926-27
1999-2000 (42 GAMES) & DIVISION ONE MOST CAPPED PLAYER WHILE
LEAGUE CUP RUNNERS-UP: 2001-02 (46 GAMES) AT THE CLUB:
DIVISION TWO CHAMPIONS (ORIGINAL): 1974 DAVID SILVA (SPAIN)
1898-99, 1902-03, 1909-10, 1927-28,
1946-47, 1965-66
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 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 2019 07
1966 City are promoted as champions of The highest ever Maine Road derby win is 2007 Sven Goran Eriksson replaces Stuart Manchester City, in partnership with the owners
Division Two, under the management recorded, with City thumping neighbours Pearce as manager, and on 15th December of Melbourne Storm, acquire Australian side
team of Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison. Manchester United 5-1. City establish a ‘top flight’ club record of nine Melbourne Heart in January, which is later
1968 The Blues defeat Newcastle United on consecutive home league wins at the start of renamed Melbourne City.
1990s the season.
the final day of the season to clinch the 2015 City seal investment and partnership
League Championship for the second time. 1992 The FA Premier League is formed, with 2008 The Abu Dhabi United Group become the with J-League soccer club Yokohama F.
City v QPR being the first ever live Monday new owners of Manchester City. Former Wales, Marinos in a deal designed to create
1969 Manchester City beat Leicester
night Sky game. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester new global opportunities for Japanese
City 1-0 at Wembley to win the FA Cup.
1994 City say farewell to the much-loved United star Mark Hughes becomes the new City soccer talent.
1970s Kippax Stand as legislation forces the closure Manager. The club break the British transfer The City Football Academy opens with the
1970 City complete a brilliant European and of terracing at Premier League grounds. In its record for the second time with the £32.5m intent of securing City’s future as one of
domestic cup double by winning the European day ‘The Kippax’ was the largest standing signing of Robinho from Real Madrid. the world’s leading football clubs by investing
Cup Winners Cup and the League Cup. area in the country. 2009 Roberto Mancini, former manager in the development of young talent.
1972 The City badge is replaced with the red 1995/96 A dramatic season sees City appoint of Inter Milan replaces Mark Hughes City Football Group (CFG) announce a
rose of Lancashire. three different managers; Alan Ball, Steve in December. partnership with a consortium of high profile
Coppell and Frank Clark as well as significant 2010 The Blues enjoy their best ever Premier Chinese institutional investors led by operating
1974 City lose the League Cup final to Wolves.
spells as caretaker for Asa Hartford and League campaign, finishing 5th and qualifying company CMC (China Media Capital) Holdings.
1976 The Blues beat Newcastle United Phil Neal. for the Europa League in the process, as well as Club consults with thousands of fans and
2-1 at Wembley, with goals from Peter Barnes
1997 City unveil a new club badge. This new reaching the League Cup semi-finals. as a result, unveils a new club badge that
and a spectacular over-head kick from
design features the Latin motto “Superbia in 2011 The long wait for a trophy ends when the re-introduces the round design of the
Dennis Tueart.
proelio” meaning ‘Pride in battle’. Blues beat Stoke 1-0 to lift the FA Cup, and they previous crests.
1979 The club break the transfer record,
1999 One of the most dramatic games ever qualify for the 2011/12 Champions League for 2016 Pep Guardiola replaces outgoing
signing Steve Daley for £1,450,277. Within two
played at Wembley sees City promoted after the first time too! manager Manuel Pellegrini who lifts the
years, the Blues became the first side to sign
a penalty shoot-out against Gillingham in the 2012 City win the League Championship for League Cup in his final season in charge
three individual £1m+ players (Kevin Reeves
Division Two Play-Off. the first time in 44 years following a thrilling of the club.
& Trevor Francis were the other two).
Premier League campaign. A last-gasp 2017 City Football Group confirmed the
2000s
1980s Sergio Aguero goal against QPR secures acquisition of Uruguayan Football Club,
2000 City return to the Premier League the title in the most dramatic of fashions at
1981 City reach the 100th FA Cup final against Club Atletico Torque and a 44.3 per cent
following back-to-back promotions. A 4-1 a jubilant Etihad Stadium.
Tottenham Hotspurs. Following a 1-1 draw stake in La Liga side Girona
victory over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park
on the Saturday, a replay was played again 2013 New York City FC is announced – 2018 Pep Guardiola oversees a record-breaking
to seal promotion is followed by a celebratory
at Wembley, regarded as one of the most the partnership between Manchester City 2017/18 season for Manchester City which saw
pitch invasion by the Blues’ enormous
entertaining Cup finals ever. City were narrowly and the New York Yankees. the Club lift the Premier League trophy for a
travelling support.
defeated 3-2 following a famous Ricky Villa goal Manuel Pellegrini, former manager of Malaga third time, become the first side to reach 100
but for City fans, Steve MacKenzie’s 30-yard 2002 Future manager Stuart Pearce captains
joins Manchester City in June. points and lift the Carabao Cup after a 3-0 win
volley was the better strike. City as they are promoted back to the
2014 City complete a domestic double by over Arsenal at Wembley.
Premiership, breaking club records for the
1986 City play in the inaugural Full Members’ beating West Ham United 2-0 on the final day 2019 City become the first English team to lift
most goals scored and most points gained
Cup final at Wembley before a crowd of 68,000. of the season to claim their second Premier all four domestic trophies after securing the
in a season along the way.
1987 A club record 10-1 demolition of League title in three years, adding to the League FA Community Shield, Carabao Cup, Premier
2003 It’s an emotional farewell to Maine Road
Huddersfield Town is recorded at Cup won after a dramatic Wembley comeback League and FA Cup all in the same campaign.
as City’s home for 80 years stages its last
Maine Road. against Sunderland in March. The Blues also In an epic title race, City win their last 14 league
football match, City vs. Southampton on
1989 City are promoted in dramatic style in reach the knockout stages of the Champions matches to clinch back-to-back titles by a single
11th May. The Club make the move to the
the last game of the season at Bradford. League for the first time. point over Liverpool.
impressive,48,000 capacity, City of
Manchester Stadium.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 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 of 13 May 2012 - the final day of the Premier 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 League season. they said, until… away from home until mid-October, City soon found
sincere ambition to transform the fortunes of this their rhythm and set about smashing a whole host
After running down an eight point gap on rivals Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko headed the Blues level
English institution. of records.
Manchester United with just six games remaining, in the first minute of injury time, a goal that gave City
Carlos Tevez, Vincent Kompany and Nigel de Jong City knew that victory over QPR at the Etihad Stadium 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 would guarantee a first ever Premier League title and 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 crown them English champions for the first time in 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. 44 years. to score 100 competitive goals in all competitions.
definitive lash of that exquisite right foot, ended 44
Former Inter coach Roberto Mancini was appointed It was all going so well when Pablo Zabaleta gave years of hurt for hundreds of thousands of City fans City’s goalscoring exploits became their most potent
manager in December 2009 and added David Silva the Blues the lead on the stroke of half-time but around the globe. weapon as the Blues would go on to net an incredible
and Yaya Toure to his squad in the summer of 2010. two second-half goals from the visitors turned the 102 league goals – the second-highest Premier
Although the Blues were unable to recapture their title
match on its head and a stadium which was having League tally on record.
What followed were seasons that City fans of in the following season, City did return to Wembley
a party soon became a home to nerves, panic and
a 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
desperation.
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
What followed were 24 agonising minutes when QPR Blues to defeat. boasted three different players (Sergio Aguero, Edin
for the UEFA Champions League for the first time
defended for their lives with 10 men packed inside Dzeko and Yaya Toure) to score more than 15
in 2010/11 and ending the 35 year trophy drought That summer, radical changes were made as Mancini
their penalty area, blocking every City shot and, as league goals.
with an FA Cup win in the same year after the 1-0 was replaced by Manuel Pellegrini and five new stars
the game entered its 90th minute, commentators and
Wembley win over Stoke City. in the shape of Fernandinho, Jesus Navas, Alvaro In March 2014, Pellegrini received his first English
pundits were already concocting their own epitaphs
Negredo, Stevan Jovetic and Martin Demichelis trophy, having masterminded a thrilling win in the
93:20 for City’s title race.
were brought in. Capital One Cup final, ensuring his side claimed
But of course no history of Manchester City
the trophy for the first time since 1976.
is complete without the remarkable events
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 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 The CFA accommodates not only all playing
double for the Blues – a feat last accomplished senior players
well as the Carabao Cup with a thrilling, attacking squads, but also the majority of Manchester
in 1970.
style of football that garnered worldwide praise. based staff in one connected operational base. • 16.5 football pitches, 12 of them dedicated to
Two years on, City lifted the League Cup for a second In the process, City broke numerous domestic players aged from 8 to 21
It is a global headquarters for those in the wider
time in three seasons. Manuel Pellegrini announced records, becoming the first English side to win 100
City Football family, which now includes clubs • A state of the art first team building with changing
his departure from the club as former Barcelona and points in a season, most away points (50), most
New York City FC, Melbourne City FC, Yokohama rooms, gym, refectory and injury and rehab centre
Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola was named wins (32), most away wins (16) and most goals (106).
F. Marinos, Club Atletico Torque, Girona FC and
as his replacement. • A 7,000 capacity stadium for youth matches
In 2018/19, Pep set his team a challenge – follow the Sichuan Jiuniu.
Pep officially took over at Manchester City in July record-breaking Centurions campaign by sealing • Staff offices and a dedicated media centre
The project was underpinned by ambitious local
2016 and in his first season at the helm, guided the back-to-back Premier League titles. Not only did City
recruitment that significantly up-skilled the local • A bridge linking the site to the Etihad Stadium
Club to a third-place finish in the Premier League do it, but all four English trophies – the FA Community
community and made a positive economic impact and the rest of the Etihad Campus.
as well as to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Shield, Carabao Cup, Premier League and FA Cup
on the surrounding area.
– were all won during a historic, record-breaking
campaign that earned the team the nickname
‘Fourmidables’.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 10CITY FOOTBALL GROUP
MANCHESTER CITY
The Club was granted entry to the FA Women’s Super In 2016, the Club celebrated their most successful
League in April 2013 and subsequently re-launched season to date being crowned the FA WSL
as Manchester City Women’s Football Club in Champions for the first time in their history, lifting
WOMEN’S TEAM
January 2014. the FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup for a second time
and becoming Women’s FA Cup winners in another
The Club mirrors and benefits from its association
historic first. The Club’s success continued through
with its male equivalent and is structured in all
into 2017 and in 2018 as City reached the semi-finals
aspects of its operations to take advantage of
of the UEFA Women’s Champions League in both
the resources of the wider organisation – from
seasons, being edged out on both occasions by
community programmes, to youth development,
FORMERLY KNOWN AS MANCHESTER CITY scouting, coaching, sports science, digital
eventual winners Olympique Lyon.
LADIES FC, THE CLUB WAS FOUNDED IN coverage and first team football operations. City almost followed in the footsteps of the
all-conquering men’s team during the 2018/19
1988 BY CITY IN THE COMMUNITY. IN THE In their inaugural season under Head Coach Nick
Cushing, Manchester City Women’s Football Club
campaign with two trophies and a runners-up spot
in the FA Women’s Super League. In February 2019,
25 YEARS SINCE THEN, THEIR AFFILIATION made history when they clinched their first ever
trophy, the FA WSL Continental Cup.
City won the Continental Cup for the third time in five
WITH THE MEN’S TEAM HAS TAKEN VARIOUS In the 2015 campaign, the Club finished second
years after a successful penalty shoot-out against
Arsenal at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane.
FORMS, CULMINATING IN THE STATEMENT place in the FA WSL and with it secured their place
The following May, Cushing’s side won the FA
OF A FORMAL PARTNERSHIP WITH in the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the
2016 season, which saw them go on to make the
Women’s Cup for the second time with a 3-0 win
MANCHESTER CITY IN AUGUST 2012. semi-final in their inaugural UWCL season.
over West Ham United at Wembley. In front of more
than 43,000 fans, though -agonisingly - the team lost
to Arsenal on final day of the FAWSL campaign after
remaining unbeaten all season.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 12MELBOURNE
The Club, formerly known as Melbourne Heart FC, In 2018-19 Melbourne City FC recorded the second
was established in 2009, inspired by a vision for a youngest squad in the A-League, giving young
broad-based community team, celebrating cultural players senior opportunities and providing them
CITY FC
diversity and sporting passion through football. with a pathway from local development to overseas
Becoming known as Melbourne City FC in 2014, the opportunities. The unique development pathway
Club is wholly owned by City Football Group (CFG) created by City has already seen two players head
and plays its home games at the 30,000 capacity to Europe from Australia, first Aaron Mooy and then,
AAMI Park stadium in Melbourne, where the Club 20-year old, Daniel Arzani – both of whom featured
celebrated its first ever men’s silverware, the FFA in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
MELBOURNE CITY FOOTBALL CLUB Cup, in November 2016.
In 2019 off-season Melbourne City FC confirmed its
COMPETES IN THE MAJOR AUSTRALIAN The Club has reached the A-League finals series each
of the past five years, recording its highest league finish
most significant post-season player retention yet,
confirming 15 players contracted to the Club for the
DOMESTIC COMPETITION, THE HYUNDAI – third-place in 2017-18 under Head Coach, Warren
Joyce. Most recently, City were unfortunate to exit the
upcoming season, providing rare squad stability in
a league renowned for player turnover.
A-LEAGUE AND THE FOXTEL NATIONAL finals in the first elimination round after going down to
YOUTH LEAGUE a last-minute injury time goal.
Melbourne City FC has developed one of the leading
youth development systems in Australian football,
boasting a number of national team representatives
during the past season, including Young Socceroos
(U-20) and Olyroos (U-23).
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 13MELBOURNE CITY
Melbourne City FC commenced its inaugural The run came to an end in 2019 as City missed out
Westfield W-League campaign in October 2015, on finals due to goal difference despite comfortably
after Football Federation Australia confirmed beating eventual Grand Final winners, Sydney FC
WOMEN’S FC
the Club’s application for entry into the women’s twice during the regular season.
domestic competition in May 2015.
Melbourne City FC’s women’s team using learnings
In their inaugural season, the team had a 100 from City’s sister clubs globally and represents a
per cent record, winning 12 consecutive league national benchmark in coaching and facilities for
matches and clinching the Premier’s Plate before women’s sports in Australia with dedicated gym,
securing a historic double, winning the 2016 Grand physio and pitches.
MELBOURNE CITY WOMEN’S FC WAS Final. In 2017, they made history again when they
FOUNDED IN 2015 AND COMPETES IN won the Grand Final for a second consecutive year,
becoming the first team in the history to achieve
THE W-LEAGUE, THE TOP DIVISION OF that feat.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IN AUSTRALIA. In 2018, Melbourne City’s women’s team won their
third consecutive W-League Grand Final under the
leadership of former-Melbourne City player and
current-Head Coach Patrick Kisnorbo, and
Player-Manager and Wales international, Jess
Fishlock. England international Jodie Taylor joined
Melbourne City from Arsenal Women, making
six appearances.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 14NEW YORK
NYCFC came into existence as Major League Domènec Torrent, the former Manchester City,
Soccer’s 20th franchise on 21 May 2013 and Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona assistant under
debuted against Orlando City SC on 8 March Pep Guardiola for 11 years, was appointed in June
CITY FC
2015. Majority owned by City Football Group, 2018 as the Club’s third head coach.
NYCFC plays its home games at the iconic
Following an eighth place finish in the Eastern
Yankee Stadium, which is also home to minority
Conference during 2015’s inaugural campaign,
owner, the New York Yankees.
NYCFC bounced back to secure their first ever MLS
Sporting Director Claudio Reyna, the former Playoff appearance in just their second season
Manchester City FC and United States international of existence, finishing 2016 with more goals than
NEW YORK CITY FC IS THE FIRST AND ONLY player, has formed a well-balanced roster that boasts any other team, resulting in a second place finish
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER TEAM TO PLAY IN a dynamic mix of veteran internationals and rising
stars that are primed to compete for the league title.
in the Eastern Conference. Villa also showed his
dominance in the 2016 MLS campaign, earning the
THE FIVE BOROUGHS OF NEW YORK CITY. On an international level, NYCFC players have made
senior appearances for 11 countries represented
Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player, scoring
a club-high 23 goals in the season. In 2017, the Club
SINCE NYCFC’S INCARNATION IN 2015, THE across four different confederations. MLS All-Star continued their excellent form finishing in second
CLUB HAS CEMENTED ITS STATUS AS A Alex Ring was named captain prior to the
2019 season.
place in the Eastern Conference once again.
CORNERSTONE IN THE LANDSCAPE OF One of NYCFC’s core philosophies is the
NYCFC secured their third consecutive playoff
appearance in 2018 and advanced to the Eastern
ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST COMPETITIVE development of youth players and as a result the Conference semifinals. Midway through 2019,
AND PROUDEST SPORTING CITIES. Club’s Academy has quickly become one of the
most successful in the United States.
the Club are once again near the top of the
Eastern Conference.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 15YOKOHAMA
The deal represented the first significant foreign and three times J-league champions, in-depth
investment in a J-League soccer club and was knowledge and experience across the CFG global
designed to create new global opportunities for the network which consists of Manchester City’s senior,
F. MARINOS
YF Marinos and Japanese soccer talent. The deal youth and women’s teams,
also sees CFG collaborate with YF Marinos,
Melbourne City and New York City Football Club.
exposing them to a world-class soccer infrastructure
In forming this partnership, YF Marinos gained
and network not seen before in the J-League but that
unrivalled access to CFG’s training methods,
has achieved popular acclaim and real success with
medical care, sport science, team management and
teams like Manchester City. “We’re thrilled to be able coaching know-how, providing a motivational draw
IN MAY 2014 CITY FOOTBALL GROUP to play a role in investing and building on the on-going for young Japanese players and placing the club in
ANNOUNCED AN INVESTMENT AND success of YF Marinos,” said Ferran Soriano, CEO,
City Football Group.
pole position to support the national team efforts of
creating a world-class team for the future. The club
PARTNERSHIP WHICH SAW THE GROUP “We are proud to offer a collaborative and integrated
was the runner-up in the Levain Cup 2018, J-league’s
domestic cup and has been showing the continued
BECOME A MINORITY SHAREHOLDER approach to the football, marketing, media and
commercial development of all the clubs in the City
momentum with strong start of the J-League 2019
OF THE YOKOHAMA F. MARINOS family. “At the same time, we are proud that each
season (3rd in the standing as off Jun 3).
(YF MARINOS). of our clubs is firmly rooted and invested in its local
community as well as connected and engaged with
As a global brand, Nissan stands for innovation to
excite their consumer, a brand essence shared by
its supporter base. We are very much looking forward City Football Group. With this shared purpose the
to starting our collaboration.” two partners have closely worked together on
various global joint opportunities.
The globally innovative partnership between business
and sport provides the four times Asia champions,
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 16CLUB ATLETICO
The club competes within the Uruguayan Football On the 3rd of February 2018, CA Torque made
Federation and is based in Montevideo, the capital its debut in the First Division against Nacional
city of Uruguay. Acquired by City Football Group in Montevideo in the legendary Centenario Stadium
TORQUE
December 2016, Torque joined Manchester City, in the capital of Uruguay.
New York City, Melbourne City and Yokohama
Following with the club’s aim of developing youth
F-Marinos as part of the group and were closely
talent, CA Torque played with the youngest squad
followed by Girona FC.
of any 1st division team and had five U21 players
In the 2017 season, CA Torque won the Second as regular starters.
Division championship and achieved historic
CA TORQUE IS A URUGUAYAN promotion to the First Division, becoming the
This season, CA Torque is competing in the Second
Division and is one of the big candidates to achieve
FOOTBALL CLUB FOUNDED youngest club in the history of the Uruguayan
Federation to be promoted to the top-tier.
promotion to the First Division.
IN DECEMBER 2007. CA Torque is currently managed by Pablo Marini,
who is accompanied on the coaching staff by Ariel
de Armas as an assistant coach and Adrian
Rocamora and Tomas Marini as the fitness coaches.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 17GIRONA FC
Established in 1930, Girona have a rich history in
Spanish football. In May 2017, Girona won promotion
to La Liga for the first time in its history, having
reached the play-offs three times in the previous
four seasons.
GIRONA JOINED THE CITY FOOTBALL Girona made an impressive impact in La Liga,
GROUP IN AUGUST 2017 finishing 10th in their first season and only narrowly
missing out on a Europa League place.
Striker Cristhian Stuani also made the La Liga top
goalscorers list, after netting 40 goals overall two first
seasons in La Liga. The club will now look to build
on this progress and continue their development
alongside Spain’s top teams.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 18SICHUAN JIUNIU
The club competes within the Chinese Football Sichuan Jiuniu is currently managed by Wang
Association and is based in Chengdu, the capital Hongwei, who is accompanied on the coaching staff
city of the Sichuan Province where 80m people live. by Liu Zhaojie as an assistant coach, Dong Zhi as
Acquired by City Football Group in February 2019, the performance analyst and Ataoufik Harzi as the
Sichuan Jiuniu (also known as Sichuan UBTECH) fitness coach. Coach Wang is a former professional
IN FEBRUARY 2019, SICHUAN JIUNIU joined Manchester City, New York City, Melbourne
City, Yokohama F-Marinos, Girona and CA Torque
player who began coaching in 2008 and has held 4
head coaching roles, including finishing 4th in China
BECAME THE NEWEST ADDITION TO as part of the group. Three companies have invested League 2 in 2018 with Yancheng Defeng.
THE CITY FOOTBALL GROUP
into the acquisition, City Football Group, China
On the 15 March 2019, Sichuan Jiuniu started their
Media Capital and UBTECH.
2019 league campaign and the regular season will
In the 2018 season, Sichian Jiuniu competed in the end on September 28th. Two teams are automatically
third tier, China League 2, for the first time since promoted with a further six competing within
2012. This season the target is to earn promotion a play-off system to earn promotion.
to Chinese League 1 whilst operating in a new Cap
system where a limit of 35m RMB / £4m GBP can
be spent operating the club. There will also be
a focus on leveraging the knowledge of each
investor to improve the team.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 19JOSEP ‘PEP’ GUARDIOLA CARLES
MANAGEMENT
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
Guardiola’s ascent from Barcelona B Head Coach to Pep absorbed the best of the footballing institution that Performance Analyst Carles Planchart has worked with
UEFA Champions League winner took place against is Bayern and blended it with his own innovative tactical Pep since he moved into management in 2007.
a footballing backdrop very different to the one we find ideas to produce some of the best football that Germany
now in 2019. has ever seen. At Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Carles analysed the
collective, individual, strategic and tactical aspects of
Following an era where the moment of transition between He improved his players. Champions League and the team’s play after which Pep would often work
defence and attack had been pinpointed as the single World Cup-winning players. He taught them to play one-on-one with a player to help enhance particular
most decisive action in a match, allowing pragmatic, new positions, showed them another way to win as a areas of their game.
counter-attacking football to prosper, Guardiola showed collective and they loved him for it. Seeing off the threat
that there was another way. of Borussia Dortmund, Pep led his all-conquering Bayern Like all the Club’s backroom room team, Carles is
to the last four of the UEFA Champions League in each renowned for his attention to detail and his impact
He won the La Liga title in three of his four seasons at of his three seasons, landing the Bundesliga three times has been felt across the first team.
the Camp Nou and lifted the UEFA Champions League and winning the league and cup double twice.
twice. In addition, the Catalan giants won the Supercopa
de Espana three times, as well as twice lifting the Copa Guardiola made a stunning start to life at City, winning his
del Rey, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club first 11 games in charge and was twice nominated for the
World Cup. Premier League Manager of the Month award in August
and September 2016.
There were eyebrows raised when he decided to take
over at Bayern Munich in 2013, particularly as they had In his second season he guided the Blues to the Premier
just won the Champions League and domestic treble. League title and the Carabao Cup, smashing records
Could Pep do it without Messi? Without Iniesta, Xavi along the way in a stunning season. He picked up four
and Busquets? Without his mother tongue? In another successive Manager of the Month awards and was voted
culture? In another league? How do you take over a the Premier League Manager of the Season and the LMA
treble-winning Bayern Munich side at the peak of its Manager of the Year.
powers? A new manager in a new country with an
unfamiliar group of players who’ve won it all – far from He was again voted Premier League manager of the
a task of merely keeping the Bavarian juggernaut on year after guiding City to four more trophies in 2018/19
track, Guardiola set about taking the players he had to become the Club’s most successful boss ever with
to the next level. He made just one signing in his first six trophies in three seasons. Pep extended his contract
transfer window, subverting the footballing trope that by a further two years in May 2018 and will remain at the
a manager must build from a position of strength. Etihad until at least 2021.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 20RODOLFO MIKEL
MANAGEMENT
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.
It was Borrell who was Lionel Messi’s first coach at Mikel brought a wealth of elite playing experience with
Barcelona and he also helped the development of him when he moved. He started his football career with
Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta during his time at Barcelona’s junior sides before spending time on loan
the Camp Nou. with Paris St Germain and eventually joining
Glasgow Rangers.
He was Technical Director and Head of Coaching for
Liverpool FC’s Academy after Rafa Benitez brought him He stayed at Ibrox for two years before returning to
to England in 2009 and helped bring through the likes Spain with Real Sociedad, but after just one season,
of Raheem Sterling, before leaving in 2014. headed back to the UK, this time with Everton.
Rodolfo then joined City where he initially worked as He stayed at Goodison Park for seven years, playing
the Academy Technical Director, looking after the youth more than 200 games for the Toffees, leaving for
teams from U21s down to U9s before then joining Arsenal in 2011.
Pep’s backroom team where he has proved to be
a key addition to the coaching team. Arteta made close to 150 starts for Arsene Wenger’s
side, before then moving to City to launch his
coaching career where he has made a big impact.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 21LORENZO BRIAN
MANAGEMENT
BUENAVENTURA KIDD
DATE OF BIRTH: DATE OF BIRTH:
9 NOVEMBER 1962 29 MAY 1949
PLACE OF BIRTH: PLACE OF BIRTH:
SEVILLE, COLLYHURST,
SPAIN ENGLAND
JOINED CITY: JOINED CITY:
JULY 2016 DECEMBER 2009
Fitness Coach Lorenzo Buenaventura has been working Having won the European Cup with United, Brian later
with Pep since 2008 at Barcelona. After helping shape moved to Maine Road and racked up 128 appearances,
Barcelona and Bayern into two of Europe’s most including over 50 goals, with the Blues between 1976 and
intensive sides, Lorenzo’s impact has also been evident 1979. A career that also took in stints at Everton, Arsenal
since his move to Manchester. and Bolton ended in the United States before he turned
his attention to coaching, where his techniques have won
Lorenzo’s attention to detail has helped City build up many admirers and brought success at many levels.
their stamina and pace which is a trademark of every
team Pep has managed, as well as assisting with the Brian spent a decade at Old Trafford as youth team boss
development of an aggressive press that requires and assistant manager before moving to Leeds, Sheffield
optimum fitness levels. United and, in 2008-09, Portsmouth, where alongside
Paul Hart he managed to keep the south coast side in the
Lorenzo is involved in planning specific training sessions Premier League.
and individual programmes and has also established
an unrivalled reputation for helping injured players Kidd, who was born in Collyhurst and always maintained
rehabilitate. his family home in the Manchester area, was also England
coach under former City chief Sven-Goran Eriksson.
From February 2009 to August 2009, Kidd was an
assistant manager at Portsmouth before taking up the
role of Technical Development Manager at City the
following month.
In December 2009, Kidd became Roberto Mancini’s
assistant manager - a role he continues in after
Mancini’s departure in 2013 when Manuel Pellegrini
took the reins at the Etihad.
He now assumes the same position as part of Pep
Guardiola’s backroom team, taking his overall time
with the Club past the 10-year mark.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 22PLAYERS
GOALKEEPERS Danilo David Silva STRIKERS
Ederson Moraes Phillippe Sandler Fernandinho Sergio Aguero
Claudio Bravo Angelino Bernardo Silva Gabriel Jesus
Daniel Grimshaw Eliaquim Mangala Riyad Mahrez Lukas Nmecha
Louie Moulden Tosin Adarabioyo Phil Foden Luke Bolton
Gavin Bazunu Eric Garcia Rodri Nabil Touaizi
Taylor Harwood-Bellis Iker Pozo
DEFENDERS Alpha Dionkou Ian Poveda
John Stones Douglas Luiz
Nicolas Otamendi MIDFIELDERS Adrian Bernabe
Aymeric Laporte Raheem Sterling Aleix Garcia
Benjamin Mendy Ilkay Gundogan Manu Garcia
Kyle Walker Kevin de Bruyne Tommy Doyle
Oleksandr Zinchenko Leroy Sane Ben Knight
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 23EDERSON CLAUDIO
GOALKEEPERS
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
Ederson arrived at City on 1 July 2017 with a reputation He penned a six-year deal and three months later, Pep Guardiola returned to his former club to bring He arrived at City with the 2016/17 season already under
as one of the brightest young goalkeeping prospects in in October 2017, made his senior debut for Brazil, Claudio Bravo to Manchester in August 2016. way and made his debut in the Manchester derby.
world football. keeping a clean sheet in a 3-0 World Cup qualifying
The Chilean goalkeeper signed a four-year deal at the Twenty-nine appearances followed in his debut
win over Chile.
Born Ederson Santana de Moraes, he began his youth Etihad Stadium as he swapped Barcelona for City and campaign, whilst in 2018 he was instrumental in helping
career in his native Brazil with São Paulo FC, before Ederson enjoyed a fantastic first campaign with brought a wealth of experience having lifted back to back City win the Carabao Cup, with inspired penalty shootout
venturing into Europe aged 16 to sign with Benfica. City, keeping 16 clean sheets as an integral part La Liga titles as well as two Copa America triumphs. displays in the fourth and fifth round.
of the Club’s Premier League success.
It was in Portugal where his professional career began, Born on Viluco, Bravo’s career began with Chile’s most Bravo suffered an Achilles tendon injury in August 2018
initially with second tier outfit Ribeirão, where he played His form earned him a PFA Young Player of the Year successful club, Colo-Colo, after his father noticed his and missed the rest of the season.
30 games in his debut season to earn a switch to nomination and saw him selected in Brazil’s 2018 talent and drove him to the club’s training ground.
At international level he has enjoyed great success since
Primeira Liga side, Rio Ave. World Cup squad.
Striker was the position of choice for the young Bravo, his Chile debut in 2004.
During a three year stay he played 63 games in all In May 2018, he penned a new deal with City that and he had short stings in midfield and defence before
Having captained the team since 2007, Bravo was voted
competitions and enhanced his reputation so much tied him to the Club until 2025 and impressed again he was asked to play in goal for the club’s ‘Cadete’ team.
the Copa America’s best goalkeeper in 2015 and 2016,
so that Benfica bought him back to the Stadium of in 2018/19.
He flourished in his new position and went on to play as he led Chile to the title, saving spot kicks as both finals
Light in 2015.
Twenty clean sheets saw him named in the PFA 123 times between 2002 and 2006. were decided by penalty shootouts.
Ederson’s second spell in Lisbon began in the B team, Team of the Year, whilst he also saved a penalty in the
On the recommendation of City goalkeeper coach, He won his 100th international cap in March 2016 and
as understudy to Brazil’s first choice ‘keeper, Julio shootout as City beat Chelsea to lift the Carabao Cup.
Xabier Mancisidor, he was signed by Real Sociedad, has the record number of appearances for Chile, with
Cesar, but he succeeded his compatriot in the 2016/17
Ederson’s fantastic footwork, including the sheer where he played for eight years, clocking up 237 119 to his name so far.
campaign and helped the Eagles to a league and
distance of some his kicks has generated much starts and scoring one goal against Gimnastic in 2010.
cup double.
admiration at the Etihad Stadium and in May 2018
Bravo moved to Barcelona in 2014, where he won eight
With a habit of producing excellent reflex saves and he broke the Guinness World Record for the longest
different titles in just two years with the Catalans, playing
boasting outstanding distribution, Pep Guardiola drop kick, registering 75.35 metres.
75 games and being named in the 2014/15 La Liga Team
swooped for the then 23-year-old in the summer
of the Season.
before his second season at the Etihad Stadium.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 24DANIEL LOUIE
GOALKEEPERS
GRIMSHAW MOULDEN
DATE OF BIRTH: DATE OF BIRTH:
16 JANUARY 1998 6 JANUARY 2002
PLACE OF BIRTH: PLACE OF BIRTH:
MANCHESTER, BOLTON,
ENGLAND ENGLAND
Life-long City fan, Daniel Grimshaw, has developed Louie Moulden is the son of former City striker Paul
through the Academy age groups having joined the Moulden who played for the Club in the mid-1980s.
Club as a nine-year-old.
One of three footballing brothers, Louie is an England
The Manchester-born goalkeeper boasts excellent youth international.
distribution and handling and impressed throughout
Moulden performed with great aplomb during the
his time in the U18s and Elite Development Squad.
2018/19 season.
In 2015/16 he helped City to the U18 Premier League
Born and brought up in Bolton, his third season at the
title and FA Youth Cup final, while in the 2017/18 UEFA
Club has proved a memorable one with the 17-year-old
Youth League campaign, he was outstanding as the
goalkeeper performing with distinction and has been
U19s’ reached the semi-finals.
another mainstay of City’s Under-18 Premier League
Grimshaw was twice the hero in penalty shootout Cup triumph as well as the Club’s progress through to
victories over Inter Milan and Liverpool and was the FA Youth Cup final.
promoted to the senior squad that same season.
He signed a three-year contract extension in June
2018 and continued to train with Pep Guardiola’s
squad, whilst turning out 12 times for the U23s in
the 2018/19 campaign.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 25GAVIN
GOALKEEPERS
BAZUNU
DATE OF BIRTH:
20 FEBRUARY 2002
PLACE OF BIRTH:
DUBLIN,
IRELAND
17-year-old Gavin Bazunu was signed by Manchester
City on 8 February 2019 after an impressive rise through
the youth system at Shamrock Rovers, which saw him
skip age groups and advance from their under-15s to the
first team.
The 6”2 goalkeeper made his senior debut for the
Shamrock Rovers at 16 years and 109 days, becoming
their youngest ever debutant. Gavin then went on to
win the Player of the Month awards for both June and
July 2018 after a remarkable start to his senior career,
in which he had four clean sheets in four as well as a
brilliant penalty save against Cork City.
Following this run of form, Bazunu was then chosen
for Shamrock’s Europa League qualifier against AIK
Stockholm in July, where they unfortunately lost 2-1
in extra time.
Gavin has deservedly been capped several times by
the Republic of Ireland up to the U17 level and his
development has been accelerated further after
making the move to City and playing for the EDS.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 26JOHN NICOLAS
DEFENDERS
STONES OTAMENDI
DATE OF BIRTH: DATE OF BIRTH:
28 MAY 1994 12 FEBRUARY 1988
PLACE OF BIRTH: PLACE OF BIRTH:
BARNSLEY, BUENOS AIRES,
ENGLAND ARGENTINA
A product of Barnsley’s academy, John Stones built Nevertheless, he turned out 29 times to help City lift the Argentine international Nicolas Otamendi joined City Otamendi was a runaway success and secured a move
a reputation of an assured ball-playing centre-half 2017/18 Premier League and Carabao Cup – his first from Valencia in the 2016 summer transfer window. to Valencia in February 2014, who immediately loaned
with Everton before signing for City in August 2016. taste of success at senior level – and won a place in him to Atletico Mineiro in Brazil.
A physically imposing centre-half, the 31-year-old had
England’s 2018 World Cup squad.
Already an England international, the defender penned already proven himself in Portugal and Spain before He returned to help Los Che qualify for the Champions
a six-year deal to become the eighth arrival of the Injury again affected Stones’ 2018/19 season, though he arriving in Manchester, where he was instrumental in League for the first time in four years. He was the only
summer 2016 transfer window. remained an important figure within the team, featuring our 2017/18 title win. Valencia player named in the La Liga Team of the Year
in 39 games. for the 2014-15 season, before making his move to City.
Stones rose through the ranks of his hometown club, Born in the Buenos Aires neighbourhood of El Talar,
making his Barnsley debut against Reading in March Though he missed the Carabao Cup final, he played in the young Nicolas shared his time between football Making his debut from the bench against Juventus,
2011, the first of 28 appearances for the Tykes. the Community Shield and FA Cup wins and made a vital and boxing to build his strength and was recruited Nico was soon featuring regularly in the starting line-up
goal line clearance to help City beat Liverpool in January by Velez Sarsfield. and won the Carabao Cup against Liverpool in 2016.
Having displayed a maturity beyond his years, he was
2018’s title showdown at the Etihad Stadium.
promptly snapped up by Everton on the final day of He made his debut aged 20 and within 11 games he He’s gone on to become an integral member of the
the January 2013 transfer window. Now considered first choice under Gareth Southgate, was called up to the Argentine national team by Diego squad, particularly in 2017/18, when he shone as City
Stones made his international debut under Roy Maradona and made his debut in a 3-0 win over won the Premier League and Carabao Cup and he
He was made to wait until the following season for
Hodgson, in the 3-0 friendly win over Peru in May 2014. Panama in May 2008. was voted in the 2018 PFA Team of the Year.
his debut, but his role in the team grew with time and
he went on to make 95 senior appearances in three He was included in the Euro 2016 squad, but didn’t see He became a fixture in Velez’ first-team and was voted Nico added a third Carabao Cup winner’s medal to
seasons, netting his first goal in 3-0 win over any playing time, meaning his major tournament debut into El Pais’ South American Team of the Year for 2009, his collection in 2019 and won another Premier League
Manchester United in April 2015. came at last summer’s World Cup. with the paper describing him as “one of the revelations title and FA Cup winner’s medal in 2019.
of the year”.
With his reputation growing, City swooped, with Pep It was a different story in Russia, with Stones starting With Argentina, he has twice been a runner up in the
Guardiola an admirer of Stones’ ability to both neutralise every match and scoring twice in the 6-1 over Panama. After an impressive 2010 World Cup campaign, in which Copa America and played in all four games at the
the opposition and launch attacks of his own with his he played three games, he was snapped up by Porto in 2018 World Cup.
Since signing for City, Stones has won two Premier
range of passing. August of that year.
Leagues, two Carabao Cups, an FA Cup and the
A solid first season saw the 25-year-old make 41 Community Shield. In his first season he won the Portuguese league,
appearances and he started his second campaign in domestic cup and the Europa League. They retained
superb form, netting twice against Feyenoord in the the league in 2011-12 and made it a hat-trick of league
Champions League, before injury against Leicester titles the following season.
disrupted his progress.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 27AYMERIC BENJAMIN
DEFENDERS
LAPORTE MENDY
DATE OF BIRTH: DATE OF BIRTH:
27 MAY 1994 17 JULY 1994
PLACE OF BIRTH: PLACE OF BIRTH:
AGEN, LONGJUMEAU,
FRANCE FRANCE
Aymeric Laporte was a January 2018 acquisition, signed Aymeric’s City career got off to a winning start with Benjamin Mendy arrived at City from Monaco, signing He enjoyed a strong start to his City career, winning his
from Athletic Bilbao midway through Pep Guardiola’s a 3-0 victory over West Brom, one day after his a five-year deal in July 2017. first five games and keeping four clean sheets in the
second season. transfer was confirmed. process, but his debut season was ruined by a knee
In the two seasons since, the Frenchman has suffered
injury which kept him out until April 2018.
The 25-year-old arrived with a reputation a one of He settled quickly and produced a series of impressive a number of injury set-backs, but evidenced his quality
Europe’s most promising defenders. displays, playing 13 times and ending his debut season in 23 appearances in which his high energy, attacking His return saw him selected for France’s 2018 World
with Premier League and Carabao Cup winners’ medals. approach to the full-back position thrived. Cup squad, where Les Bleus were victorious, but his
Left-footed and recognised for his calmness, strength
2018/19 campaign was hampered by injuries.
and passing ability, his standing has only grown in the He was imperious in 2018/19 and one of the standout Mendy began his career with Le Havre, where he played
18 months since and he was rewarded with a contract performers as City swept the board domestically, more than 50 league games, before joining Marseille He made 16 appearances in total and registered five
extension in February 2019, which ties him to the Club making 51 appearances and starting in the Community in 2013. assists as City lifted the Premier League, FA Cup,
until 2025. Shield, Carabao Cup and FA Cup wins. Carabao Cup and Community Shield.
He impressed at the Stade Velodrome, making 101
French-born, but of Basque descent, Laporte is a appearances in three seasons and gained a reputation
product of Bilbao’s youth academy but began his senior as one of the best full-backs in the French top flight.
career in Spain’s fourth tier with CD Basconia in 2011.
His performances earned him a move to Monaco,
He returned to Bilbao after one season, playing in the where he was a key component of Leanardo Jardim’s
B team before making his first-team debut aged 18. side’s improvement.
By 20 and having showcased his skill and potential at His surging runs down the left flank were central to
both left-back and his preferred centre-half position, the Red and Whites’ success in 2016/17, claiming
he had been named in the La Liga Team of the Year. the Ligue 1 title and reaching the semi-finals of the
Champions League.
In his six seasons with the Basque Country club he
became a first-team regular, playing 222 times, netting It was in Europe where Mendy and Monaco particularly
10 goals and helping them to a 2015 Supercopa de impressed, with notable scalps against City and Borussia
Espana triumph – their first silverware for 31-years. Dortmund in the knockout stages, whilst domestically,
he was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.
MANCHESTER CITY PRE-SEASON TOUR 2019 28You can also read
