Pep Guardiola has revealed he intends to take his Manchester City side on a warm weather training camp to Abu Dhabi during the mid-season break.
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City planning mid-season jaunt to Abu DhabiClub have two week break in JanuaryLast season's trip had huge impactWHAT HAPPENED?
City have a two-week pause in matches between their fixture at Newcastle on January 13 and their home game against Burnley on January 31. Guardiola wants to take the entire squad to Abu Dhabi, the land of owner Sheikh Mansour, to prepare for their assault on the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League as City try to repeat their incredible success in 2023, when they won five trophies.
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"After Newcastle if its possible we'll go to Abu Dhabi altogether," Guardiola told a press conference after beating Sheffield United 2-0 on Saturday. "Last season we were there in the World Cup it had an incredible impact for the staff and everyone, the five titles prove it. We were there training, better weather. Yeah [the plan is] to be together training, training to prepare the second part of the season."
@GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
City were far from the finished article when they headed to Abu Dhabi at the end of 2022, having been beaten at home by Brentford in their last match before the break in action during the World Cup. Guardiola and his staff plus players who were not involved in the tournament took the opportunity to recharge their batteries in the Gulf region and the camp had the desired effect as City went on to win the treble. Guardiola's side are also behind in the title race this season and will use the break to work on tactics and boost team spirit after the coach admitted he had urged his players to show more desire in the half-time break against Sheffield United.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY
City are back in action in the third round of the FA Cup against Huddersfield on January 7 as they bid to successfully defend the trophy. They then visit Newcastle before taking their trip to Abu Dhabi.