In a thrilling pre-season match in Japan, Manchester City emerged victorious with a 5-3 win over Yokohama F Marinos. The match saw the debut of new signing Mateo Kovacic, who had a mixed performance in midfield. Despite losing possession and being caught out of position, Kovacic also showed glimpses of promise with his through ball attempts.
City manager Pep Guardiola made 10 changes at half-time, giving playing time to almost all his players except for goalkeeper Ederson, who stayed on the bench, Kevin De Bruyne, who is currently injured, and Bernardo Silva, who was replaced by youngster Maximo Perrone in the second half.
One player who stood out in the match was Erling Haaland, who scored twice in the sweltering Tokyo heat. Guardiola has been looking to improve City’s passing accuracy to Haaland, as even top players like Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo have overlooked opportunities to play him in the past. Kovacic’s willingness to make ambitious through passes could prove valuable in this aspect.
Another player who had an eventful match was academy graduate Taylor Phillips. He had moments of miscontrol and gifted possession to the opposition, but also played a key role in City’s first goal and won the ball from the opposition goalkeeper to assist Julian Alvarez’s equalizer. Phillips has had a difficult debut season at the club, but fans are hopeful that he can turn things around.
Phil Foden, who is expected to play a more central role next season, showcased his dribbling skills and ability to drive through the middle. However, there were instances where he missed opportunities to pass to Haaland, something Guardiola wants to improve on. Despite these minor shortcomings, Foden’s potential in the De Bruyne role is an exciting prospect for both City and England.
There is speculation that City will sign a right-winger to replace Riyad Mahrez, who might be moving to Al Ahli. However, 20-year-old academy player Rico Lewis could also fill the gap if given the opportunity. Lewis has impressed in pre-season performances and possesses the qualities Guardiola is currently looking for in a wide player.
One player whose future at the club is uncertain is Joao Cancelo. Guardiola had expressed his desire to offload Cancelo in the winter transfer window due to his attitude, but the defender remains part of the squad for now. Cancelo had a mixed performance in the match, showcasing both his defensive vulnerabilities and attacking prowess with an assist for Haaland’s goal.
Overall, the pre-season match provided valuable playing time for City’s players and highlighted areas for improvement. Kovacic’s passing, Phillips’ potential redemption, Foden’s decision-making, and the emergence of young talents like Lewis and Bobb are all factors to watch out for in the upcoming season.