In JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, Pep Guardiola, who is generally averse to extended journeys amid a busy schedule, may view the FIFA Club World Cup as an unforeseen advantage. While their primary goal is to win the tournament, Manchester City’s sojourn in Saudi Arabia holds more significance than merely vying for another trophy.
Given their recent struggles in the Premier League, with just one victory in the last six games, the December trip presents a valuable opportunity for a reset. Training under the warmth of the Middle Eastern sun, far from the cold and damp conditions of Manchester, offers City a chance to regroup. The match against Urawa Red Diamonds underscored City’s dominance, boasting nearly 80% possession and 13 shots in the first half alone.
The 3-0 triumph, featuring an own goal and strikes from Kovacic and Silva, not only secured a spot in the final against Fluminense but also marked City’s first clean sheet in nine games, instilling renewed confidence in Guardiola’s team.
Manchester City sets sights on historic triumph at Club World Cup final https://t.co/FgKmmpvp0v #ManchesterCity #ClubWorldCup #Fluminense
— Blaine Ainsley (@BAinsley_Noah) December 20, 2023
Fluminense is anticipated to pose a more challenging test on Friday, but for significant stretches of their semifinal against Al Ahly FC on Monday, the South American champions found themselves in a less dominant position. Guardiola doesn’t appear overly concerned.
“This marks the first time Manchester City has reached this stage,” noted Guardiola. “I represent this incredible club, and I’m excited to reach the final against Fluminense. It’s the final step to secure the title, the only one the club doesn’t possess, so we’re determined to go for it.”
Manchester City aiming to complete the set with Club World Cup triumph.
— VAVEL (@VAVEL) December 19, 2023
📝 @Talhabib_ #UrawaReds | #ManCity | #ClubWC https://t.co/t2I3S0jOBM
The broader question revolves around how City’s involvement in the competition might influence the Premier League title race. Exiting the UK after a disappointing 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, City currently holds the fourth spot in the table, trailing leaders Arsenal by five points. The chance exists that they might slip further behind, given that Arsenal, Liverpool, and Aston Villa are all in action this weekend.
However, historical examples suggest that a break from the demands of domestic football can be advantageous for a team vying for the title. In 2000, for instance, Manchester United participated in the inaugural Club World Cup after a sluggish start to their season, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1999 treble-winning side sitting fourth in the table after 12 games.
While United didn’t progress beyond the group stage in the tournament held in Brazil, the respite from the Premier League allowed them to return rejuvenated. Subsequently, they cruised through the second half of the season, losing just one game and securing the title with an 18-point lead.
City boasts a history of extended winning streaks, and when asked on Monday if they were still capable of such runs, midfielder Silva responded confidently, saying, “Do you doubt us?” Despite the strong challenges posed by Arsenal and Liverpool for the title, it would be imprudent to overlook a team that has clinched the Premier League five times in the last six years.
On Wednesday, the City players enjoy a day off, followed by a team dinner. Guardiola underscores the importance of team bonding, stating, “Being together is really important.” Unlike the regular season, where players typically attend training and then head home, this trip allows for more time to foster camaraderie. Regarding training, the focus is on conserving energy for match day, prioritizing rest, massages, and overall well-being. Guardiola emphasizes that rest takes precedence.
City is set to resume their league campaign against Everton at Goodison Park on December 27 in a better state than when they departed for Saudi Arabia. Both Rúben Dias and Julián Álvarez were rested in the Urawa Reds match, and Kevin De Bruyne, who has been sidelined since the season’s opening weekend due to hamstring surgery, returned to training on Monday.
While De Bruyne won’t be partaking in Saudi Arabia, his comeback is imminent. Although star striker Erling Haaland is excluded from the tournament, there is hope for his return against Everton.
With ten consecutive European victories, City securing the Club World Cup on Friday wouldn’t catch anyone by surprise. Crucially, their trip has the potential to open the door for additional silverware by the season’s end.
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