Manchester Metropolis wrap up their tour of Asia in Seoul on Sunday in opposition to Atletico Madrid, the ultimate run-out for Enzo Maresca’s squad earlier than they face Arsenal within the Neighborhood Defend.
The Italian has the unenviable process of making an attempt to switch Pep Guardiola on the helm however is happy with the progress made thus far.
“The one factor I’ve mentioned since I began to the gamers is that for me it’s a brand new reset. All of them begin at similar degree,” Maresca mentioned. “It has been excellent since day one. They’ve been very open minded a couple of new supervisor arriving.
“Now we have modified some constructions and a few patterns, the best way we play on the ball off the ball and typically.
“That is the primary change, the work ethic from those who’ve been right here yr after yr is also necessary.
“These 10 days collectively are so necessary. I want a reference to them – and it’s so necessary for the longer term.”
That is Metropolis’s second recreation in South Korea having overwhelmed the Ok-League All-Stars 3-1 on Wednesday. They opened the tour with a 1-1 draw with Inter Milan in Hong Kong.
Atletico Madrid, nonetheless marshalled by Diego Simeone, have performed two video games of their pre-season marketing campaign, beating Getafe 4-1 earlier than taking place 2-1 to Manchester United.
They might hand a debut to new signing and native hero Lee Kang-in following his transfer from PSG.
“I’ve been watching this workforce for a very long time and I’ve recognized all alongside how massive of a membership they’re,” Lee mentioned. “And I’m actually completely happy to have an opportunity to play for this workforce. The top coach and the administration made me really feel they actually needed me. They compete for trophies yearly and I really feel like I can proceed to develop as a participant and carry extra trophies with this membership.”
Lee will inherit the quantity seven shirt worn by Atleti legend Antoine Griezmann.
“I do know the quantity means a lot as a result of so many legends of the membership have worn it earlier than me,” Lee mentioned. “However I’m solely interested by how I can greatest assist the workforce and the way I can maintain enhancing as a participant. Doing my greatest every day to assist the membership is an important factor for me. I’m not interested by anything.”
Staff information for Man Metropolis v Atletico Madrid
Maresca continues to be with out a number of the gamers who carried out within the latter phases of the World Cup, together with Erling Haaland. That has allowed a youthful crop of gamers to stake their claims on the tour with Jeremy Monga, Divin Mubama and Ryan McAidoo all impressing.
Atletico have named a 27-man squad for the sport that includes loads of expertise, together with Jan Oblak, Robin Le Normand, José María Giménez and Koke.
Julian Alvarez and Marcos Llorente are nonetheless on their post-World Cup break.
Anticipated line-ups for Man Metropolis v Atletico Madrid
Manchester Metropolis: Donnarumma; Lewis, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol; Reijnders, Kovacic; Semenyo, Foden, Savinho; Marmoush
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Sola, Gimenez, Le Normand, Hancko; Cardoso, Koke, Hjulmand; Kang-in, Martin, Lookman
watch Man Metropolis v Atletico Madrid: TV and on-line streams
Manchester Metropolis versus Atletico Madrid kicks off at 12 pm UK time on Sunday. It isn’t being televised however you’ll be able to stream it on CITY+ and the official Man Metropolis app.
Stats for Man Metropolis v Atletico Madrid
Manchester Metropolis and Atletico Madrid final met within the 2021/22 Champions League quarter-finals, with Metropolis successful 1-0 at dwelling earlier than a 0-0 attract Madrid despatched them by means of
Sunday’s recreation is Metropolis’s final earlier than they face Arsenal within the Neighborhood Defend at Wembley subsequent weekend
Atletico completed fourth within the Liga desk final season
Prediction for Man Metropolis v Atletico Madrid
Each side are treating this as a closing tune-up moderately than a press release of intent, however Metropolis’s squad, even with out its World Cup contingent, ought to have sufficient high quality to see off an Atletico facet nonetheless discovering its rhythm in pre-season.
Prediction: Man Metropolis 2-1 Atletico Madrid
