Manchester City begin preparations for the 2023/24 season with a game against Japanese giants Yokohama F Marinos this morning.
The Citizens made history last year as they claimed the treble, matching neighbours Manchester United’s 1998/99 side.
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City will now look to back that achievement up by trying to win the quadruple, which you wouldn’t put past them, given their incredible squad depth.
Pep Guardiola’s side are likely to evolve and have already seen captain Ilkay Gundogan depart and then replaced by Mateo Kovacic.
Riyad Mahrez, Joao Cancelo and Aymeric Laporte could all head for the exit door while a move for Josko Gvardiol remains live.
But no matter who leaves and who arrives, you can bet City will be in contention on multiple fronts.
Yokohama F Marinos vs Manchester City: Date and how to follow
This pre-season clash is set to take place on Sunday, July 23.
Kick-off at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo is scheduled for 11am UK time.
Unfortunately, no UK broadcaster has selected this game and it will be broadcast on CITY+.
Supporters can sign up here and pay £34.99 for an annual subscription or £4.99 per month.
If you hold a season ticket, it’s £30 per year.
talkSPORT will have updates throughout the morning and talkSPORT.com will have all the best reaction from Japan.
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Yokohama F Marinos vs Manchester City: Team news
Kevin Muscat’s side are still in the middle of their J1 League season, so they will be much more match-fit than City.
They are currently second in the top tier of Japanese football, so Muscat could rest most of their key players for this friendly.
Meanwhile, City have just returned to pre-season training.
Kevin De Bruyne won’t play any part in this match due to a hamstring injury that hampered him towards the end of last year.
But new man Kovacic will most likely play while there could be space in the squad for some of City’s youth players.
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Yokohama F Marinos vs Manchester City: What has been said?
Kalvin Phillips has cited Jack Grealish as his inspiration as he looks to kick on in pre-season ahead of his second campaign at the club.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, he said: “I’ve known Jack for years, I’ve played against him for years and he’s very much a family man as well.
“Loves his family, keeps them very close and he’s obviously had his tough times when he was younger as well.
“Our career paths have basically taken the same step but just a year apart, and I kind of look at Jack and just think he’s my inspiration in this part.
“He had a tough first year and so did I, second year he came out firing so I’m looking forward to getting pre-season started and hopefully I can turn things around.”
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