Manchester City stars hit the rugby pads as Pep Guardiola ups physicality ahead of trip to face Wolves

  • Manchester City stars got hands on with rugby pads in training on Wednesday
  • Young stars Phil Foden and Oleksandr Zinchenko are looking to build strength
  • City are preparing for Saturday's lunchtime trip to face newly-promoted Wolves

Manchester City stars showed they have the strength to match their style as they took on rugby pads in training on Wednesday.

Boss Pep Guardiola introduced the pads in a bid to increase physicality on some of the club's younger stars to ensure they can cope if needed for first team action.

Fresh off the back of the 6-1 home demolition of Huddersfield, the champions are busy preparing ahead of Saturday's lunchtime trip to face newly-promoted Wolves.  

Oleksandr Zinchenko shields the ball and crashes into the rugby pad during the session

Oleksandr Zinchenko shields the ball and crashes into the rugby pad during the session

Young star Phil Foden gets hands on with the rugby pads as he builds up his strength
Ilkay Gundogan stretches out a leg to keep hold of possession

Both Phil Foden (L) and Ilkay Gundogan got stuck in as they also protected possession

Bernardo Silva, who has impressed so far this season, makes lightwork of the rugby pads

Bernardo Silva, who has impressed so far this season, makes lightwork of the rugby pads

As well as beefing up the strength element to the session, City's coaches also utilised resistance ropes with the squad.


Experienced midfielder David Silva looked to demonstrate in style to his team-mates as Fabian Delph managed to see the funny side of what proved to be a rigorous physical test. 

City are looking to become the first side in a decade to win back-to-back Premier League titles and Guardiola is demanding no complacency from his side as they look to break records they set last season. 

David Silva leads by example as he engages with a member of the coaching staff with ropes

David Silva leads by example as he engages with a member of the coaching staff with ropes

Englishman Fabian Delph sees the funny side of the resistance section of the training session

Englishman Fabian Delph sees the funny side of the resistance section of the training session

The other big talking point surrounding City this week has been the potentially season-ending injury to reserve goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

The Chile stopper damaged his Achilles and having sold both Joe Hart and Angus Gunn - to Burnley and Southampton respectively - Guardiola knows any injury to first choice Ederson leaves him exposed.

Rising young stars Daniel Grimshaw and Curtis Anderson took part in the session and know they need to be ready to be thrown in should anything happen to the Brazilian.  

Daniel Grimshaw (L) and Curtis Anderson are the only goalkeeping options left after Ederson

Daniel Grimshaw (L) and Curtis Anderson are the only goalkeeping options left after Ederson

Boss Pep Guardiola watches on closely as he looks to avoid any complacency against Wolves

Boss Pep Guardiola watches on closely as he looks to avoid any complacency against Wolves

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