Manchester City continue to rise despite losing 3-2 to AC Milan

While Manchester City lost 3-2 to AC Milan in New York overnight, they have continued to grow as the 24/25 season draws to a close. Results are irrelevant in the pre-season. It is more important for players to find their touch and develop their fitness during City’s tour of the United States. Based on this, the champions are making strides, which were on full display against AC Milan.

A hallmark of Manchester City’s play when they are flying is their clarity in possession. While the champions are without a host of key players during their pre-season tour of the United States, the youngsters on display have shown they are up to speed with Pep Guardiola’s demands and style of play. Players such as Nico O’Reilly, Micah Hamilton, Maximo Perrone, Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb have stood out at times and seem to be aware of their coach’s demands. That’s one positive to take from City’s first two games of this pre-season.

Speaking after City’s loss to AC Milan, the positives of the Manchester City game were not lost on Rico Lewis. The England international can watch the champions in pre-season. Speaking after the match, Rico Lewis said: “It’s pre-season; we are trying to get back to the rhythm of winning, but also to the rhythm of how we play. Today was a better performance than the last game, we show more composure on the ball and get the shots we want to get and what we practice in training. At the end of the day, we lost the game, but luckily it’s pre-season; this is when you can afford it.“

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola saw his side’s performance against AC Milan as a step up from the game against Celtic. While it hasn’t been perfect, his team continues to make strides ahead of next season. Guardiola told the media after the match: “We were better than the first game and some of the players stepped up. It was very good overall, everyone was very good against a senior team in the Champions League like AC Milan. It was a step forward, no injuries, minutes standing, another test and now we fly to another game in a few days.“

While Manchester City’s squad that toured the United States is missing a host of first-team players, the theme of City’s pre-season is to continue their preparations for the 24/25 season and continue the development of their youngsters. It was evident during both of City’s defeats to Celtic and AC Milan that Pep Guardiola’s side saw both traits in spades. This is a positive sign as Manchester City look to make even more history next season.

When the champions get their full squad back for the final stages of pre-season, they will be well prepared for their arrival. This sets the scene for what’s to come as the positives from City’s pre-season tour of the United States finally rub off on key players in City’s squad. With that in mind, City’s loss to AC Milan and their progress from game to game is a bonus when looking at the big picture of what lies ahead this season.