Manchester City v Bayern Munich: Pep Guardiola signs autographs for fans as he jets off for speedy return against former club with new squad
Etihad club manager and his players prepare for pre-season tour of China with swift stop off in Bavaria to take on old team
PEP GUARDIOLA looked relaxed ahead of his speedy return to the Allianz Arena.
The Manchester City manager and his new squad set off today to begin their pre-season.
And first stop is Bavaria, where Guardiola will be pitted against Bayern Munich – the side he quit just two months ago.
Guardiola, 45, stopped to sign autographs before making his way onto the plane at Manchester airport.
City begin their pre-season tour of China after Germany, where they will take on neighbours Manchester United in an early derby.
It will be the first time Guardiola and Jose Mourinho come face-to-face since their stints in La Liga.
One notable absence in the squad was Sergio Aguero, who SunSport revealed is due to sign a contract extension.
Euro 2016 flops Raheem Sterling and Joe Hart were also missing, while Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Bacary Sagna are enjoying an extended summer break.
Yaya Toure was among the stars pictured travelling in the squad – but sulked through the airport with a distant look.
The Ivorian, 33, was widely tipped to be discarded by Guardiola after being sold to City by the Spaniard in 2010.
Guardiola hinted the midfielder still has a future at the Etihad this month.
He said: “I know Yaya. He did very well for Barcelona and here as well. He’s a huge talent but all the players here now are counting on me. I’m counting on them all including Yaya.”
While captain Vincent Kompany, 30, was all smiles as he posed with fans.
The Belgian ace’s future is up in the air due to his injury woes.
Guardiola has prioritised the centre-back position as an area to strengthen.
He failed to sign Athletic Bilbao’s young defender Aymeric Laporte but is now chasing John Stones.