Skills challenge – Aguero and Brahim smashing it
A small corner of East LA turned blue on Sunday when the City Soccer Festival rolled into town. Six first team players tried their hands – or in this case feet – at the Soccer Skills challenge (you can test yourself with the SkillCity app for iOs). Sergio Aguero in particular showcased his mean finishing and drew huge cheers from the youngsters watching on, while Brahim Diaz almost broke the goal with the force of his shots. Commitment.
California dreaming
The players enjoyed a well-earned rest on Saturday in LA after an intense first week of training in the broiling Houston heat. Some went to Venice Beach, others Beverly Hills – Gabriel Jesus found this eye-catching pair of wheels!
Otamendi’s a natural
We took the players out for filming on Sunday – keep your eyes peeled for more of that over the coming days – with Nicolas Otamendi travelling to a UFC gym to take a lesson in mixed martial arts from British fighter Jimi Manuwa. After the cameras stopped rolling, Manuwa told CityTV that Nicolas was an exceptionally fast learner and had a natural flair for the moves… we certainly think he looks the part! Jimi takes on Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 214 this Saturday night – good luck!
Coliseum
The LA Coliseum, venue for City v Real Madrid on Wednesday evening, is an arena worthy of the name. Opened in 1923, the stadium has hosted numerous high-profile events, and not just sporting. Evangelist Billy Graham drew the all-time record crowd 134,254 in 1963, while Nelson Mandela’s return to the United States in 1990 and the first-ever Papal Mass by Pope John Paul II in 1987 were held there.
Mendy and Danilo class
Both Danilo and Benjamin Mendy showed their class straight away on arrival at City’s LA base. After long days involving travel and medicals, each took the time to go around and shake hands with all of City’s support and backroom staff.
