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Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has confirmed that the team is preparing for a training camp in Abu Dhabi for the winter break to take advantage of warm weather conditions.
The details of the trip are still being determined, but it is a possibility since the champions do not have a match on the weekend of January 21-22. This is their designated break during the Premier League’s staggered winter pause.
Last season, Guardiola brought a team of players who were not participating in the later rounds of the World Cup to the United Arab Emirates, where the owner Sheikh Mansour resides. He now plans to do the same with the entire squad.
The manager of the City team believes it will be a perfect method to get ready for the latter part of the season, as the team aims to protect their domestic and European championships.
Guardiola stated that he hopes to return to Abu Dhabi with the team after the Newcastle game.
“Last season we were there in the World Cup and it had an incredible impact for the staff and everyone. The five titles (we won) prove it.
We travel to that location to practice in more favorable conditions, to bond through training and to prepare for the latter half of the season. While that is the current plan, it may be subject to change. I am unsure at this time.
City’s first match of the new year will be against Huddersfield, a Championship team, in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
On Saturday, Kevin De Bruyne was on the bench as an unused substitute for Manchester City’s 2-0 win against Sheffield United. This could potentially mark his return to the game after being absent since August.
Guardiola stated that the player is nearing full recovery. They have mutually agreed for him to join the team on the bench and eventually be a part of the locker room. He has been absent for three months and it has been a significant amount of time.
He is performing well in training and will soon be given more playing time to showcase his abilities. This is fantastic news.
“We are currently anticipating the return of Jeremy (Doku), Erling (Haaland), and John Stones. As the second half of the season has arrived, we will require the contribution of all these players.”
Source: independent.co.uk
