City face Arsenal on Sunday but there are still some international matches to be played before Pep Guardiola can have a full squad to train with.
England’s matches for this break were wrapped up on Sunday evening when Raheem Sterling and John Stones played important roles during the victory over Lithuania, with Sterling particularly impressing.
The Independent’s Jack Pitt-Brooke writes: “What he has shown since is that he is still a special talent, a player with a rare ability to beat opponents and also to provide sharp final-third delivery. That is what playing for Pep Guardiola can do for a player’s confidence.
“So Sterling proved again here, setting up the opener by darting down the left wing and providing a brilliant cross back for Jermain Defoe to convert. Not bad for someone accused of having ‘no end product’.”
Elsewhere, City hero Uwe Rosler has been very active this weekend and the current Fleetwood Town boss has had his say on Sergio Aguero’s recent form.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Rosler said: “A change in terms of courage, high-speed running and a willingness to counter-press. Plus, he still scores goals. You can see Aguero is trying to buy into the ideals of Guardiola.
“The pace of their game with Liverpool was unbelievable, breath-taking. You need two world-class No 9’s - and Aguero is one of them.”
As we’re approaching the end of the season, it’s a time for many to reflect on the successes and failings of the campaign. While there’s still a lot to play for before the end of May, ESPN’s Simon Curtis can’t help but look to the future.
He scribes: “Time waits for no man, and the future -- in the shape of Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan and John Stones -- will soon be upon us.”
Finally, the build-up to Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Emirates has already begun and Arsenal legend Robert Pires can’t wait to see what happens.
He told Sky Sports: “You know it’s a special game when you play Man City. At the beginning of the season, Man City and Arsenal want to fight for the title.
“Now it is different, because Chelsea are on the top of the table. Arsenal and Manchester City need to finish in the top four to play Champions League next season.”
That’s all for this morning’s media round-up, stick with mancity.com for the latest throughout the day!
