Manchester City's preseason preparation plans faced a sobering reality check. With the club now set to compete in European competition for the first time under Richard's leadership, there was a pressing need to elevate the squad's tactical awareness and adaptability.
He wanted to familiarize his players with the various football styles from other countries. Together with the coaching staff, he mapped out a comprehensive preseason itinerary. The plan began with a high-profile friendly against Celtic, hosted in London—a match designed to simulate the intensity and physicality of British derby clashes on neutral ground.
From there, the squad would head to France to take on AS Monaco, where they could test themselves against Ligue 1's technical finesse and rapid transitions. The next stop was Spain, for a friendly against Deportivo La Coruña, a club then on the rise, known for its tactical discipline and possession-based football.
