City’s meeting with Atlético Madrid in Seoul carries greater significance than most pre-season fixtures.
While many Premier League clubs have enjoyed four, five or six matches to build fitness, test combinations and settle on a preferred side, City have had a far shorter summer programme.
Sunday’s game will only be their third friendly before next weekend’s Community Shield meeting with Arsenal.
That leaves Enzo Maresca with little time to experiment.
As a result, the Atlético match feels less like a final rehearsal and more like a key step in the manager’s preparations for the new season.
City’s shortened pre-season leaves little room for error
One of Maresca’s priorities will be assessing how quickly his side is adapting to his new ideas. Training ground work is important, but matches against high-quality opponents provide a different challenge.
Atlético’s famed organisation, physicality and intensity should offer a useful test of where City stand with the Premier League season now close.
Selection will also be closely watched.
Pre-season has provided opportunities for younger players, including Divin Mubama, Ryan McAidoo and Jeremy Monga. Strong performances against elite opposition can only strengthen their claims for involvement when the competitive fixtures begin.
The Community Shield may become part of City’s preparation
The game may also provide clues about City’s remaining transfer business.
Supporters continue to debate whether another defensive signing is required, and performances against Atlético could shape that discussion further. Maresca will want evidence that his current options are capable of coping with the demands of a long campaign.
Perhaps the biggest question, however, is how close City are to being ready.
With only two friendlies before the Community Shield, it would be unrealistic to expect a finished product. In that sense, next weekend’s meeting with Arsenal may serve a dual purpose: a chance to compete for silverware, but also another valuable opportunity to build rhythm and sharpen combinations ahead of the Premier League season.
For City, pre-season may not truly end until the opening league fixture arrives.
