Manchester City's Pep Guardiola has voiced concerns about the impact of the FIFA Club World Cup on his team's fitness and preparation for the upcoming Premier League season. With the expanded tournament taking place in the United States, Guardiola fears that the lack of rest for his players could negatively affect their performance in the Premier League.
The expanded Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams, is being held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025. Manchester City qualified for the tournament as one of the UEFA Champions League winners from 2021 to 2024. They are in Group G along with Wydad AC, Al Ain, and Juventus. Man City has advanced to the Round of 16 after winning all three of their group stage matches. They are set to face Al Hilal on July 1 in Orlando.
Guardiola's worry stems from the short turnaround between the end of the Club World Cup and the start of the Premier League season. If Manchester City reaches the final on July 13, they would have very little time for player holidays and pre-season preparations. This could lead to burnout and increase the risk of injuries, potentially derailing their title challenge.
The Manchester City manager has acknowledged the concerns raised by others, including former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who called the expanded Club World Cup "the worst idea ever implemented in football" due to player welfare concerns. Thomas Tuchel, the England manager, suggested that Manchester City and Chelsea's participation in the tournament could give other teams like Liverpool and Arsenal a significant advantage in the Premier League title race.
Manchester City had requested the Premier League to postpone their first two games of the 2025-2026 season to allow for more recovery time after the Club World Cup, but this request was denied. Guardiola expressed his disappointment with the decision, stating that the Premier League did not allow them to postpone the games to have more recovery.
Despite his concerns, Guardiola insists that Manchester City is focused on the Club World Cup and aims to win the competition. He emphasized the importance of his team rediscovering their best form and maintaining their competitiveness. He also acknowledged that weather problems have been a recurring issue in the tournament. Chelsea's victory over Benfica was suspended for almost two hours due to lightning.
While the short break and potential for exhaustion are causes for concern, the Club World Cup also presents an opportunity for team bonding. With new players and coaching staff, the time spent together in the US can help build chemistry and create a strong team environment.
