Pep Guardiola offers 'advice to the promoters' of next season's tour as Man City boss gives verdict on Premier League champions' United States trip

The reigning Premier League champions have completed another pre-season trip over the Atlantic. An American fan base is building for the Citizens, with annual visits being paid to that part of the world. Supporters were treated to eventful clashes this time around, with City taking in meetings with Celtic, Barcelona, AC Milan and Chelsea.

City are expected to return to the States in 2025, with Guardiola – who is into the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium – saying of why another tour should be an easy sell for all concerned: “I want to give advice for the promoters. We lost 4-3 v Celtic, seven goals, 2-2 v Barca, 3-2 v Milan, six goals here [in a 4-2 win over Chelsea], every game we scored good goals. If they hire us for next season people will be happy because we score and concede a lot! The people enjoyed it, the stadium is really nice, to see it full and lots from Chelsea as well. Everyone is healthy, safe, we showed good spirit very tough opponents which is really good.”

Guardiola added on the benefits of taking City to America as they ready themselves for the return of competitive action: “It was really good in terms of our club for the brand, to see how many shirts are here, it’s amazing. I remember the first time and second season there were few in a blue shirt but now a lot. We want to win the games of course but if we lost or won nothing changes. Now the real preparation is the season starting in seven days, simple as that.”

City will be back in the trophy hunt on August 10 when facing arch-rivals Manchester United in the traditional Community Shield curtain-raiser. The defence of their Premier League crown will open away at Chelsea on August 18.