The 27-player travelling party have been allowed to let their hair down – and even taskmaster Guardiola has had a kickabout with his players on the beach.
The team have enjoyed other sports in their downtime, such as basketball and table tennis – though Silva joked that the 30C heat has left star striker Erling Haaland “looking like a lobster”.
“The end of the season was so demanding emotionally,” Guardiola told Sport. “It wasn’t the best for consistency and results.
“I decided we would do good training but let the players relax for the rest of the day. If they want to play golf, [go in the] pool, day off or be with their families. Otherwise it would be so difficult mentally.
“It is fresh in the training sessions, not expending energy before the games because it would be so tough.
“Some went to their national teams and didn’t have days off. It’s maintaining [fitness] and relaxing. We have 11 months ahead of us and I decided for them to do whatever they want.”
Before the tournament both the playing personnel and backroom staff were shaken up with four new signings, but they have seamlessly integrated into the set-up.
Rayan Ait-Nouri has already showcased his credentials at left-back, Rayan Cherki has scored his first goal for the club, while the energy Tijjani Reijnders will bring to the midfield is clear. Jurgen Klopp’s former right-hand man Pep Lijnders is settling in, too, as Guardiola’s new assistant.
Defender Nathan Ake said the new additions had given everyone a “boost” and brought “a lot of energy”, while midfielder Ilkay Gundogan said there have been plenty of “jokes” and “banter” from them.
Forward Cherki is said to have shown the same enthusiasm, singing a French rap song during his initiation.
