Nick Cushing has discussed a host of topics in the build up to the game, including his aims for the new campaign.
There are also comments on Phil Foden, with England U21 boss Aidy Boothroyd reflecting on his development, while one media outlet explains why the international break will benefit Pep Guardiola’s squad.
From the managers
Manchester Evening News: Nick Cushing on City signings, inspiration for the new season and the Manchester derby
Cushing: “Of course it’s [last season] a motivator because we know we probably should have won the league.
“There were little inconsistencies that would have helped us win it but it gives us a marker of the work we have to do.
“I said to the team on the first day back that nobody in this league has retained any of the trophies since I became a coach.
“So there’s an opportunity there to retain the League Cup and FA Cup and win the league.”
Sky Sports: Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden united, says Aidy Boothroyd
Boothroyd: “Phil’s working with the best players in the world and arguably the best coach in the world so he’s going to get a lot of positives out of that.
“He’s not playing games but I think City and Pep [Guardiola] know what to do with him better than perhaps I would because they see more of him than I do.”
Opinion
Manchester Evening News: Why international break could be of huge benefit to Pep Guardiola
Writes Stuart Brennan: “Aymeric Laporte’s enforced absence is clearly a blow, but the fact that part of his lay-off is taken up by two weeks with no club games – and possibly two more fortnights, in October and November, could be helpful, depending on the severity of the injury.”
“The two-week break also allows Benjamin Mendy, John Stones and Gabriel Jesus – who is serving a ban for Brazil in any case – extra days to prepare for the busy schedule.
“Fernandinho has been eased out of the Brazil squad after his swansong in helping them win the Copa America in the summer.
“Again, the timing is perfect for City, as Laporte’s injury makes him favourite to start alongside Nicolas Otamendi in the league game at Norwich on September 14.
“The midfielder has two weeks in which to prepare for the role – and getting that right could be crucial to the Blues’ Premier League and Champions League campaigns.”
