UCL Semifinalists Manchester City and Bayern Munich to Tour Japan As Part of Preseason Friendlies: Report

On July 23, Pep Guardiola's team will play Yokohama F Marinos, followed by a match against Bayern three days later at Tokyo's National Stadium.

Manchester City has followed the footsteps of their rivals in the semis by announcing preseason tour to Japan in July.

Details about the tour of City

The J-League announced Tuesday that Manchester City will play friendly matches against Bayern Munich and the Japanese champions Yokohama F Marinos in Tokyo in July.

Both matches will take place at Tokyo's National Stadium, with Bayern playing on July 30 and Pep Guardiola's City playing Marinos on July 23, as they look to defend their Premier League title.

Bayern's Schedule

Bayern made the announcement last month that they would play Kawasaki Frontale of the J-League on July 29 at the Tokyo's National Stadium.

Other clubs visiting Japan

Just days after finishing their regular season, freshly proclaimed Spanish winners Barcelona will take on Andres Iniesta's Vissel Kobe in Tokyo on June 6.

This summer, Scottish champion Celtic will also travel to Japan, where on July 19 they will play a match against Marinos, the former squad of coach Ange Postecoglou.

Statement from City

“The Club has previously enjoyed trips to Japan, most recently in 2019, and our presence in the country has continued to grow in recent years. Our Asia tour to Japan and Korea is exciting as we look to collaborate with our partners within the region to bring exciting activations to our fanbase in the countries.”,said City in a official statement.

Statement from Chairman of J-league

Yoshikazu NONOMURA, Chairman of J.League, said: “In this, the 30th anniversary year of the J.League, we are delighted to announce that we will be hosting two spectacular matches, welcoming two top-tier European clubs, Manchester City and Bayern Munich. I expect Yokohama F･Marinos, one of the most successful clubs in J.League, having won the J.League opening match in 1993 and five league titles including last year's league championship, to show us a great game with their own attacking football against Manchester City that has shown the most remarkable growth in recent decades in English Premier League. I am confident that the voices and enthusiasm of the supporters filling the stadium will make for great matches.”