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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

Four things spotted in Man City training as Julian Alvarez learns from Pep Guardiola

Manchester City continued their pre-season preparations on Thursday ahead of their trip to America.

The City players, buoyed by new recruits Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega, returned to the CFA at the start of the week and have been building up their fitness ahead of a return to action next week. Pep Guardiola's side will face Club America and Bayern Munich in America before taking on Liverpool in the Community Shield.

City have released footage from Thursday's session and here are four things we spotted.

Also read: Erling Haaland's first major interview since signing for Man City

1 - Pep not happy with the weather

The City boss was clearly enjoying the rare Manchester sunshine this week as when he walked out to the field on a grey, overcast (though still warm!) Thursday he was quick to ask the cameraman: "Winter is back, huh?"

Thankfully for Guardiola, there's a lot more sunny weather expected in the coming days.

2 - Great skills on show

Unsurprisingly with a training session involving so many great players, there were plenty of tricks and flicks on show. Before the session had even begun Joao Cancelo casually brought down the ball with his heel behind his standing leg before passing it on again.

Later in a rondo, Bernardo Silva had the ball in a tight spot but flicked a pass with an elegant drag back. Not to be outdone, Ederson pulled off a brilliant save in his own training to flick a shot onto the post.

3 - Alvarez deep in conversation

New arrival Julian Alvarez was spotted having a chat with Guardiola ahead of the session getting underway. The Argentine wunderkind has already expressed his willingness to play across the attack and perhaps he was discussing what his role will be in the forthcoming campaign.

4 - Ake and Zinchenko still training hard

There continues to be speculation surrounding the futures of Nathan Ake and Aleks Zinchenko at City. Ake is wanted by Chelsea to resolve their shortage of centre-backs and the Blues would be open to a move but only if they can find a replacement and if their asking price is met.

Zinchenko, meanwhile, is reportedly wanted by Arsenal and Everton. Though happy at the Etihad, the Ukrainian would be open to a move if he is promised game time in his favoured midfield position.

Despite the continued uncertainty, both players were training hard with smiles on their faces in Thursday's session.

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