Manchester City players, like all footballers, have been handicapped by being unable to train together. The routine, camaraderie and group spirit has been missed as they go from knowing exactly what they are doing and where they should be at any point in a day to having more freedom over their schedule.
That sharpness that is maintained through group sessions and regular matches has been lost, meaning any return of competitive games will have to be preceded by at least a few weeks of the squad together.
And coaches cannot spot things to improve as easily if there is no training to observe. Despite all of those difficulties, isolation has made it possible for players to focus on things specific to them.
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