Manchester City Plans For Training Camps In Abu Dhabi During Winter Break
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed the club's plans to hold a training camp in Abu Dhabi during the winter break. While the trip has not yet been fully approved, it is likely that it will because the Premier League champions do not have a match on the weekend of January 21-22, which is their free date during the Premier League winter break.
Guardiola previously brought a group of players who were not involved in the final stages of the World Cup to the United Arab Emirates, the residence of the club owner, Sheikh Mansour, last season, and wanted to do the same with the entire squad.
City managers feel it will be an ideal way to prepare for the second half of the season, as clubs try to defend their domestic and European titles.
"After fighting Newcastle, if possible, we will go to Abu Dhabi again, all together. Last season we were there during the World Cup and it had a tremendous impact on the staff and everyone. The five titles we won proved it," said Guardiola.
"We went there to train in better weather, together - train, train, and train to prepare for the second half of the season. That's a plan, but maybe we'll change that, I don't know yet," he added.
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City will start the new year with their third-round FA Cup match against Huddersfield from the Championship division next Sunday.
The match could mark Kevin De Bruyne's return after the playmaker, who has not made appearance since August, became a reserve that was not used in a 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Saturday, December 30.
"He's almost back. We asked each other to come to the bench, to start in the dressing room. It's been three months, a lot of time he's been out. He's training well and will start getting minutes to get the best out of him. This is great news," said Guardiola.
"We are also waiting for Jeremy (Doku), Erling (Haaland), and John Stones. The second half of the season is here and we will need everyone," said Guardiola.