New circular badge officially unveiled by Man City
New home kit revealed by Man City
Ilkay Gundogan introduced by Man City
Pep Guardiola unveiled by the Man City
The sun shone down on Manchester during the Citizens Weekend in which Manchester City unveiled their new manager, Pep Guardiola.
Players from City’s youth teams, women’s team, and a couple of men’s first teamers were present on the day to add some star dust to the day.
Ilkay Gundogan had earlier revealed his squad number was 16, and later added that Guardiola was a big factor behind his move to England to test himself in the Premier League.
And Kelechi Iheanacho agreed that Guardiola would bring “a new dimension” to the team.
The events at City’s Football Academy Stadium Complex kept 5,800 City fans occupied until the unveiling of City’s new manager.
With an in-depth interview with City fan and music legend Noel Gallagher promised for the Man City website tomorrow, the Spaniard was introduced to the Cityzens crowd.
And Guardiola soon had the gathered fans cheering when asked about his new City players as he promised to “kick their ass.” and declared that “the past is the past.” with all players starting on a clean slate.
He hailed the “amazing players” at City but prioritised team spirit as the most important aspect of his new regime.
When the season starts in August, Guardiola declared that he is just one manager among many great managers and named checked Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp, Claudio Ranieri, Antonio Conte and Mauricio Pochettino.
Lionel Messi for City?
One fan in the crowd cheekily asked Guardiola if City were signing Lionel Messi.
The Spaniard’s instant answer was: “Not a bad player, but Messi has to stay in Barcelona for the rest of his career!”
Mikel Arteta signs for City
One new signing confirmed today was the arrival of Mikel Arteta as Assistant Coach. He left Arsenal at the end of his contract and retired from his playing career.
The Spaniard, who was at Barcelona’s academy with Guardiola, cited his desire to coach in the next phase of his career and he admitted he was looking forward to the challenge at City.
Arteta is the second coaching appointment of the weekend after Lee Carsley was named at the new City U18s manager, with Jason Wilcox filling the new role of Head of Coaching (Academy).