Despite earlier concerns about player workload, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is now expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming Club World Cup. This shift in tone comes as the tournament draws closer, with the winners now potentially pocketing close to £100 million. Guardiola, who previously hinted at reservations regarding fixture congestion, potential injuries, and insufficient preparation time for the next season, is now focusing on the positive aspects of the competition.
Guardiola has recently emphasized the seriousness of the Club World Cup, stating that the "whole world will be watching" this summer. He assures that Manchester City will give it their best shot and aim to win the tournament. This is a stark contrast to the worries that surfaced last September when midfielder Rodri suggested players might strike due to increasing workloads, making the expanded Club World Cup seem like an unwelcome addition to an already packed schedule.
The expanded Club World Cup, with its new format featuring 32 teams and spanning nearly a month from June 15 to July 13 in the United States, has faced criticism, particularly from Europe. However, for Manchester City, the message is now clear: they would rather participate than be absent. Guardiola sees it as an honor to be involved, signifying the team's exceptional performance in recent seasons.
Manchester City's participation in the Club World Cup follows their Champions League victory, a title that allowed them to "close the circle" and aim for a complete trophy haul under Guardiola. The manager acknowledges the challenges of playing every three days with minimal rest, but recognizes it as the price of competing for a top club and fighting for all possible titles.
Adding to the workload concerns, Manchester City can anticipate matches in the Club World Cup to potentially extend close to 100 minutes due to FIFA's mandate to strictly enforce rules regarding time-wasting and delays. This was evident at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where games frequently exceeded 100 minutes. To manage the increased playing time and reduce player strain, Guardiola might utilize the option of five substitutes more frequently.
Despite these challenges, Guardiola maintains a positive outlook. He views the Club World Cup as a "very nice" opportunity to compete for another title and considers it a privilege for Manchester City to participate. The team is determined to make the most of this new competition and add another trophy to their collection.
