Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has lauded Wolverhampton Wanderers in the lead-up to the final of the Premier League Asia Trophy. The Citizens reached the final of the friendly competition after a convincing 4-1 triumph over West Ham United and they are now scheduled to face the Wolves, who enjoyed a comfortable 4-0 win over Newcastle United earlier in the week.

Speaking ahead of the final, Guardiola spoke fondly about the west Midlands outfit while starting his team’s own preparation for the game, he said: “We play against an opposition who did incredible last season. We are here to try to get our best level as soon as possible. We know how they play and it’s just a friendly. We will try to do a good game and show our principles and what we want to do for the rest of the season. It’s a friendly but it’s an official game against Premier League team, that’s the reason why they are here.”

Guardiola opted for a mixture of youth and experience for the opening game against West Ham United and the same appears the case for the final, considering a few regulars have just returned after their international exploits at the Copa America. Meanwhile, City have continued with the recent trend of pursuing young and experienced players in the transfer window and they have pursued the services of Rodri, Angelino and Zack Steffen to date.

Out of those, Steffen has been swiftly loaned out to Fortuna Dusseldorf for the forthcoming season but the other two should contribute towards the team’s proceedings. Rodri is pretty much certain of a starting berth in the midfield. Angelino, on the other hand, may have to adjust to a rotational role on the left side of the club’s defence.