Man City make bold pre season call that could leave them with financial hit

It was back in April that Pep Guardiola was asked the question around two unhealthy states in the game, player work and money ruling the game.

There may be sympathy around the increasing number of games players are being asked to put themselves through, but if the clubs are so bothered about it why do they choose to go on money-spinning tours in the summer rather than protect their stars? Big organisations may be trying to have their cake and eat it, but so too are many big clubs.

The response from the Manchester City coach was instant: "Yeah but we have to do it," he said. If they are to afford the wage bill and fund a £300m expansion of the Etihad, the Blues cannot afford to spend their pre-season travelling around Stockport, Oldham, and Bury.

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Guardiola said that he wished they could and it was believable - he has rarely cut a happy figure on a pre-season tour - but the reality of life at a top club in modern football is that they have to try and eke out as much money as they can and build their global brand. Summer jaunts are more for commercial purposes than they are football, but you can't have the football without the business.

It may be an imperfect reality for many, although as City head off to the United States this month to spread their message across four states Guardiola has at least moved some of the balance back towards football. One of the most vocal critics of scheduling has told most of his stars that they don't need to rush over to link up with him and the rest of the squad as they try and get over the European Championship and the last 11