US tour result ‘wasn’t easy’, says Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said the inexperience of his side had been a “difficult” factor in their thrilling 4-3 defeat to Celtic in North Carolina in the opening match of their US tour.

Captained by Erling Haaland, the reigning Premier League champions fell 3-1 behind at the interval in their first pre-season friendly, Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn scoring twice for the Scottish Premiership holders.

Maximo Perrone’s 46th-minute goal and a Haaland header 11 minutes later drew City level, only for Luis Palma to score the 68th-minute winner for the Hoops.

Man City vs Celtic: Haaland goal

A thumping header from @ErlingHaaland! 💥

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 24, 2024

“We created chances but they are so good with the pace and quality they have,” said Guardiola, adding that he had seen “many nice things” from a team also containing former England international Kalvin Phillips in midfield, accompanied by Jack Grealish behind Haaland.

“You have to live these situations in pre-season and we’ll go from here. It wasn’t easy; we have… eight or nine who are so young.

“It’s difficult in one department when so many are young but I saw many good things from the new and old players.”

City US tour: Lewis ‘exceptional’

Guardiola said 19-year-old defender Rico Lewis and 21-year-old winger Oscar Bobb, who drew City level for three minutes during the first half, had played at a “high level”.

The pair were the only players to be given 90 minutes on a night when the Cityzens used 14 academy graduates.

“Rico is exceptional and can play in the pocket,” observed Guardiola. “Maybe it’s his natural position but we didn’t have players in the back four.

“He’s so dynamic, his first control and vision is really good. I was very pleased with his performance. Sometimes [Bobb’s] a bit shy but when he plays without fear he has incredible potential.”

Maxi Perrone with a goal from his first touches! 💥

Watch live! 👇

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 24, 2024

Man City fixtures

The tour continues against Milan in New York on Saturday (11pm BST), Barcelona in Orlando on July 31 (midnight BST) and Chelsea in Ohio on August 3 (10.30pm BST).

“They were tough opponents,” Guardiola said of Celtic. “AC Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea have top players.

“It’s steps, and it’s good to see how the loan players come back and behave, and also the rhythm [building] for the senior ones.”

City start their season against United in the Community Shield on August 10 and travel to Chelsea eight days later for their Premier League opener.