In a recent statement, Pep Guardiola expressed his intentions for the upcoming tournament, emphasizing that every player will have an opportunity to showcase their skills. "Basically, everyone is going to play in this tournament. The season starts today and ends next May or June. I trust all of them, and in the next game, maybe we’ll change a lot of players. We want to create the ‘bones’, the way we will play for the next season," Guardiola explained.
When discussing the return of key player Rodri, Guardiola noted, “Everyone wants to see him back, but I want to be sure he’s ready.” This highlights Guardiola's cautious approach to player fitness as Manchester City gears up for a demanding season ahead.
Guardiola also shared insights on their upcoming opponent, Wydad Casablanca, stating, “We expect them to be physical … teams from this area are always tough. We’re not thinking about winning the tournament, just each game.” This strategic mindset showcases Manchester City’s focus on taking each match one step at a time, rather than getting ahead of themselves.
With the official start of the new season, Manchester City is entering a crucial phase of rebuilding. Following a third-place finish last season and a defeat in the FA Cup final, the club has made significant changes. City has bid farewell to Kevin De Bruyne and shifted Jack Grealish out, while rapidly integrating three new players into their squad.
New additions include Tijjani Reijnders from Milan, along with two players named Rayan: left-back Aït-Nouri and playmaker Cherki. These signings are a part of Guardiola's strategy to strengthen the squad for the challenges ahead.
To further bolster the coaching staff, Guardiola has recruited former Liverpool coach Pep Lijnders as his new assistant. The collaboration between the two coaches is anticipated to foster a productive environment as they prepare for their first match against Wydad Casablanca.
Wydad Casablanca qualified for the Club World Cup by winning Africa’s Champions League in 2022, making them a formidable opponent. Notably, the Moroccan team is considered a significant underdog at 55-1 odds for this matchup. Following their game against Wydad, Manchester City will face Al-Ain from Abu Dhabi and then take on Juventus.
As the tournament progresses, City may find themselves up against top contenders like Real Madrid in the last 16, which would be a challenging encounter, especially in the sweltering heat of Miami.
With the kick-off scheduled for 5 PM BST (12 PM local time), Guardiola aims for his team to start the season with strong momentum, setting the tone for what lies ahead.
