Pep Guardiola isn't sugarcoating things. The Manchester City boss has openly admitted that even winning another Club World Cup title won't make up for his team's underwhelming 2024-25 season. He shared these thoughts before City's upcoming Group G match against Al-Ain in Atlanta this Sunday.
City's domestic dominance finally cracked this year. They finished third in the Premier League, ending their incredible run of four consecutive titles. Things weren't any better in Europe, where they couldn't even reach the Champions League round of 16 after being knocked out by Real Madrid.
"I said many times, the season was not good," Guardiola told reporters. "Winning this competition is not going to change that, but my mindset at the moment is not about winning the competition. We can extend our time here, being here longer."
City Still Focused on Tournament Success
Despite downplaying the tournament's ability to salvage their season, Guardiola isn't taking the Club World Cup lightly. The legendary manager has already won this trophy four times throughout his career, including City's first world title in 2023 before the competition's format change.
City have started their campaign positively with a comfortable 2-0 win over Morocco's Wydad Casablanca. Another victory against Al-Ain would secure their place in the round of 16. The Emirati side looks vulnerable after suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat to Juventus in their opening match.
"Now we're here, I want to do the best. I want to enjoy the moment here because you're here one time every four years... And I want to arrive in the latter stages," Guardiola added.
What This Means for City's Future
The candid admission from Guardiola signals potential changes ahead for the Manchester club. After years of dominance, City's performance dip raises questions about squad renewal and tactical adjustments for next season.
For bettors, City's mindset presents an interesting scenario. While they remain favorites against Al-Ain, Guardiola's comments suggest he might prioritize giving players experience over fielding his strongest lineup throughout the tournament. This could create value opportunities for punters considering underdog bets in later rounds.
The revamped Club World Cup format, now featuring 32 teams and held every four years, adds prestige to the competition. For City, success here would at least provide some consolation prize in a season where their usual silverware collection has been notably lighter.
All eyes will be on how seriously City approach this match against Al-Ain. While Guardiola downplays the tournament's redemptive power, his competitive nature and impressive record in this competition suggest Manchester City will still be pushing hard for another global trophy.
