Pep Guardiola says he took plenty of positives from City’s pre-season opener in the USA, despite a 4-3 defeat to Celtic.

A youthful City team faced a far more seasoned starting lineup from the Scottish champions, who will begin their league campaign in just over a week.

Despite this, Man City’s Oscar Bobb, Maximo Perrone, and Erling Haaland goals at the Kenan Memorial Stadium in North Carolina gave the Bhoys a serious competition.

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14 Academy graduates were used by Guardiola across the night, with Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb the only two City men to play the whole 90 minutes.

Given the inexperienced squad available to him and the early stage of our preparations for the 2024/25 season, Guardiola was pleased with the way his players performed.

“I saw many good things from the new and old players,” the manager stated in his post-match press conference.

“It wasn’t easy, we have senior players up front and back four eight or nine who are so young. It’s difficult in one department when so many are young but many good things, Oscar and Rico always in a high level.

“Many things I saw were nice. We created chances, but they are so good with the pace and quality they have. You have to live these situations in pre-season and we’ll do it from here.”

Asked directly about Lewis’ performance, Guardiola reiterated his faith in the Bury-born teenager and listed the No.82’s outstanding attributes.

“Rico is exceptional and can play in the pocket, maybe it’s his natural position but we didn’t have players in the back four.

“He’s so dynamic, first control, vision, it’s really good and I was very pleased with his performance.”