Manchester City's journey in the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 has begun with a victory, and manager Pep Guardiola is characteristically measured in his assessment. Following their 2-0 win against Wydad AC in their opening Group G match in Philadelphia, Guardiola emphasized that this was just the "first step" in a long and challenging tournament. The win, secured with an early goal from Phil Foden and another from Jeremy Doku, provides a solid foundation for City's campaign, but Guardiola is far from complacent.
Guardiola acknowledged the difficulty of the match, played in searing heat and humidity at Lincoln Financial Field. He pointed out the importance of securing three points in the first group stage game, especially with several new players integrating into the squad. Summer signings Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki made their debuts, and young defender Vitor Reis received a rare start. Guardiola highlighted the need to give players minutes, particularly those returning from injury, to build their sharpness and fitness throughout the competition.
"The first game in this group stage is always really, really important. I saw many, many good things," Guardiola stated, reflecting on the positives from the match. He further added, "Now we have recovery, we are going to train well in the next few days and then fresh legs for the next game to try and improve things." This indicates Guardiola's focus on managing the squad's fitness and ensuring they are prepared for the upcoming fixtures against Al Ain and Juventus. He also hinted that he intends to rotate the squad for the next game, with "ten new players" potentially featuring.
Despite the comfortable scoreline, Guardiola recognized areas for improvement. While City dominated possession and created several chances, they were not entirely free-flowing. The coach also expressed frustration with the late red card issued to Rico Lewis for a challenge he believed was fair.
The expanded Club World Cup presents a new challenge for Manchester City, with more matches and increased competition. Guardiola is aware of the demands this places on his squad, especially after a season where they relinquished their Premier League title and exited the Champions League earlier than expected. However, he sees the tournament as an opportunity to start the 2025/26 season on a positive note. As Guardiola stated, "The season will be a long one, but it is important to be here."
City's participation in the Club World Cup also signifies their growing presence and ambition in the United States. With the tournament being held across various cities in the US, including Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Orlando, it provides an opportunity to connect with their American fanbase ahead of the 2026 World Cup which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Ultimately, Pep Guardiola's reaction to Manchester City's winning start in the FIFA Club World Cup reflects his typical blend of satisfaction and focus. While acknowledging the positive aspects of the performance against Wydad AC, he remains grounded, emphasizing that it is only the "first step" in a long and challenging journey. His focus now shifts to managing the squad, improving their performance, and preparing for the upcoming matches as they aim to conquer the competition and assert their dominance on the world stage.
