Pep is optimistic despite losing 3-4 to Celtic in a friendly On the ‘Green and White Zebras’ side. Nicolas-Gerrit Kunst scored two goals in the 13th and 36th minutes, plus Kyogo Furahashi in the 44th minute. And substitute Luis Enrique Palma scored the winning goal ยูฟ่าเบท in the 68th minute. 

In Pep’s eyes, having 14 players who have come through the academy to play is already excellent. As for Lewis and Bobb, who played the full 90 minutes, he believes they can carry the team into the early part of the 2024-25 season, waiting for the veterans to be fully fit. 

“I see a lot of good things from both new and old players,” Guardiola said. 

“It’s not easy. We only have a few senior players up front and in the back, but the other 8-9 are still young.” 

“It’s a tough job when you have a squad full of young players. But there are positives – Oscar and Rico are always at a high level, things are looking great.”

“We created chances, but we have to give credit to the opponent for playing with the speed of the game and the quality in the game.” 

“In pre-season, we have to deal with the situation first and then build on it from there.” 

Guardiola also praised former boxer Lewis, saying he did not live up to his reputation by training him well. 

“Rico is a redundant player, he can play in the pocket position, maybe it’s his natural position, but we don’t have options in the back four.” 

“That guy is a driver, a first-rate guy, a visionary, it’s great and I’m very please with his performance.” 

City have three more warm-up games left in the US, all of which are tough, including AC Milan , Barcelona and Chelsea, and must return to England for the Community Shield before entering the new season.