BreakingPitch concerns resurface as Manchester City confirm summer date with Kitchee at Hong Kong Stadium

Pitch conditions remain one of the biggest concerns of Premier League champions Manchester City when they visit Hong Kong to face local champions Kitchee this summer.

“They visited the venue twice before putting pen to paper on the contract,” said Kitchee general manger Wilson Ng. “But they are very happy with the improvements made at Hong Kong Stadium since the 2013 incident.

“Of course we hope for good weather in July and that the fans can enjoy watching the performance of a top class side.”

Manchester City will be returning to Hong Kong to play Kitchee in the “Jockey Club Kitchee Centre Cup” on July 24. They were here last at the 2013 Asia Trophy when the two-day tournament was played during a heavy downpour, with one of the participating sides, Tottenham Hotspur, threatening to quit the event because of the poor pitch conditions.

A charity gala dinner will be held the night before and attended by Pep Guardiola.

“They have promised a full team to Hong Kong with all their marquee players, including their summer recruits as it will be their pre-season,” Ng said. “But it is too early to say who is coming and who is not as there are several months to go before the match and we can only confirm the players list closer to the date.”