Taylor has taken a 23-strong squad to the Perth International Cup, where we will face Leicester City on Wednesday before a meeting with either West Ham United or Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday 1 September.
City’s competitive campaign begins on 18 or 19 September with a Champions League qualifier, before starting our Barclays Women’s Super League season at Arsenal the following weekend.
With a few weeks still to go until those all important fixtures, Taylor is keen to ensure his entire squad arrive at the start line in peak condition.
“It’s a case of getting through these two games and get minutes,” he said in a pre-match interview when asked about his plans for this week’s fixtures.
“That will look different player by player but it’s about coming out of it at the other end and everybody feeling fit and healthy.
“We only have two games and 23 players with goalkeepers so trying to manage that can be quite challenging but I think it’s a really good environment for us to be in.
“Two good games for us to start the season.”
A few senior players remained in Manchester when the trip began last Tuesday, including Laura Coombs, Sandy MacIver, Tara O’Hanlon, Jill Roord and Risa Shimizu.
Taylor says they all remained at the CFA to be in the best place possible when the bulk of the squad return to Manchester, stating that Netherlands international Roord is nearing a return.
“It’s really difficult when you’re coming this far to take players when the rehab work they do back in Manchester is just as important,” he stated.
“Sandy’s got a long term injury, Jill’s coming back from a long term injury. Tara O’Hanlon and Laura Coombs just missed out with a slight niggle.”
“It was touch and go with Jill, whether she was going to be able to partake in team training. It means that when we do return she will be there or thereabouts, which is going to help us because she’s another top player.”
City have enjoyed a strong record against Wednesday’s opponents, including victories home and away in the WSL last year.
The Foxes have a new coach this season, with Amandine Miquel joining after seven seasons at French club Reims.
Taylor expects them to provide a fresh challenge this time around but is determined to focus on City’s game rather than Leicester’s.
“Leicester are a different proposition now because they have a new coach so we expect different challenges or a new way of playing. We’re prepared for that,” he said.
“We’ll try to make it about ourselves and of course the opposition will dictate where the spaces are for us, but that shouldn’t change too much in terms of our buildup patterns.
“The players are really up to speed in that sense. Even with bringing in the new players. Being in an environment like this allows me to get really good access to the players.
“If I want to speak them this evening and go through training clips, it gives me the opportunity to do so.”
Australia Tour 2024
Both of City’s matches in Perth will be globally available to watch on mancity.com and our official app with a CITY+ subscription.
First we play Leicester City at 11:15 (UK) on Wednesday 28 August, before facing either Paris Saint-Germain or West Ham United on Sunday 1 September.
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