🏆 Guardiola: Club World Cup Glory Won’t Erase Last Season's Pain
❌ "Winning this won't fix everything"
Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City’s Club World Cup campaign won’t make up for what he called a “not good” season in 2024-25.
Despite lifting the Community Shield, City missed out on all major silverware—finishing third in the Premier League, crashing out early in the Champions League, and losing the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace.
“This competition won't change that,” Pep said ahead of City’s clash against UAE side Al-Ain in Atlanta.
“My mindset is about extending our time here and doing the best we can.”
🧠 Motivation or Obligation?
The revamped Club World Cup has divided opinion. For South American clubs, it’s the pinnacle. For European giants like City and Chelsea, it’s... complicated.
“For South American teams, this competition is the maximum. For us? It’s a World Cup,” Pep shrugged.
Still, with £97 million in prize money up for grabs, it’s not exactly low-stakes football. Pep, who’s won the Club World Cup four times as manager, insists City are here to win.
“Now we are here, I want to do the best. You’re here once every four years. You must enjoy it.”
🎯 Next Challenge: Al-Ain
City kicked off Group G with a comfortable win over Wydad AC, and another three points against Al-Ain on Sunday will seal their path to the knockout stages.
Al-Ain boss Vladimir Ivic, formerly of Watford, believes his side are up for the challenge:
“When you play the best, you want to be the best. We’ll give everything.”
🔄 Summer Moves Incoming?
Pep also dropped hints about upcoming squad changes, emphasizing his preference for a leaner group.
With Jack Grealish, Kalvin Phillips, and Kyle Walker omitted from the tour, and Mateo Kovacic injured, Guardiola signaled possible departures.
“We have too many players right now. I want everyone to be happy—but when six or seven players aren’t even making the bench, that’s a problem.”
Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, but Pep insists he remains “in the plan” for now.
