Pep Guardiola cut a frustrated figure in Manchester City’s latest pre-season friendly when he punched the dugout.
The Premier League champions drew 2-2 with Barcelona before losing 4-1 on penalties at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
It has seen City extend their winless run during pre-season to three following respective 4-3 and 3-2 defeats to Celtic and AC Milan.
Guardiola knows he still has a hugely talented squad at his disposal and they will surely be favourites for more success in the new season.
However, the Spaniard was seemingly irritated during the clash with his former club Barcelona and the cameras caught his reaction.
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Towards the end of the first-half with the score at 1-1, Guardiola slumped down in his chair and then punched the dugout to his right.
A steward sitting next to the perspex screen appeared to be startled and swiftly moved away as the City boss’ anger remained on his face.
City face one final pre-season test in the United States when they face Chelsea, who are also yet to win during their summer schedule.
Although his side have been defeated in three matches, Guardiola has seen improvement from his players.
“Every game we are getting better, our condition is getting better,” he told the club. “Rico [Lewis], again, thank you so much, Oscar [Bobb], Nico [O’Reilly]… all.
“Kalvin [Phillips] made an excellent performance today. Josko [Gvardiol] the first minutes, Kova [Mateo Kovacic] the first minutes, so yeah that’s really good.”
City are facing a packed 2024/25 campaign, beginning with a clash against Manchester United on August 10 in the Community Shield.
Guardiola’s side will also compete in the revamped Champions League that will see them play an extra two matches in the new league phase.
As well as this, they will partake in the new Club World Cup format at the end of the season
City will be among 32 clubs competing across eight groups where the top two sides will qualify for the last 16, with the usual quarter and semi-finals still to follow.
Those who reach the final will therefore play a total of seven games throughout the competition, with City playing just two in the old format.
Guardiola has recently hit out at the scheduling amid fears his players could be in danger with so many games throughout the season.
After the Community Shield, City begin their Premier League title defence with a trip to Chelsea on August 18.
Manchester City’s first five fixtures
August 10 – Community Shield – Manchester United v City – 15:00
August 18 – Premier League – Chelsea v City – 16:30
August 24 – Premier League – City v Ipswich Town – 15:00
August 31 – Premier League – West Ham v City – 17:30
September 14 – Premier League – City v Brentford – 15:00
News Summary:
- Pep Guardiola punches dugout in frustration during Man City pre-season friendly clash against Barcelona
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