MANCHESTER CITY could have a ‘pre-season’ of just 14 DAYS if they reach the Champions League final.
September 12 has been pencilled in for the start of the 2020-21 Premier League campaign.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City could be facing a short pre-season should they reach the Champions League finalCredit: AFP or licensors
But that is just two weeks after the provisional date for Europe’s showpiece on August 29.
And Pep Guardiola’s side could be facing almost a year of club football without a proper summer break.
Rivals Liverpool are out of the Champions League and FA Cup, so are due to finish their season on the weekend of July 25.
This would give them a seven-week turnaround — up to five weeks more than City, who are chasing a cup double.
And that would be a clear advantage to the champions-elect as they look to defend their domestic crown.
The proposed schedule could also pose an issue for Manchester United and Wolves, as they are both still in the Europa League.
August 25 has been put forward for that final.
Chelsea need a miracle to overturn a 3-0 Champ-ions League deficit to Bayern Munich, but City were favourites with many fans to win the final which was originally due to be played on Saturday night.
Winger Riyad Mahrez believes this could be the year they crack Europe.
He said: “We have the team, the manager, we have everything — we are good enough to win it.”
Guardiola has called up young players to train with his first-team squad from tomorrow so they can play in ‘dead rubber’ games in the league campaign.
Marcus Rashford looks fresh and ready for return as Man United are back in contact training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
