Manchester City are gearing up for the Club World Cup 2025 in the United States, just weeks after the end of their 2024-25 Premier League season. Despite a challenging previous season, Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has framed the tournament as the dawn of a new era for the club.
Pep Guardiola is keen to get back into the competitive swing of things, with the opportunity to defend the global title they clinched two years prior in Saudi Arabia. Guardiola emphasised the unifying power of the World Cup, stating, "The World Cup is an incredible opportunity to understand we come here all together, to show who we are in the best way, playing the sport we love. Supporters of both sides sharing different continents and places - this is what we should be all around the world. Hopefully this World Cup can help people understand that."
A Fresh Start for Man City
The tournament has expanded to include 32 teams, marking a "new era" for football, according to Fifa president Gianni Infantino. This sentiment also reflects the evolving dynamics within the Manchester City squad. With fierce competition for starting positions, the question looms: how will Guardiola's team line up this season, and which players face uncertainty regarding their place?
Guardiola's Squad Overhaul
City have invested heavily, spending over £100 million to strengthen their squad for the tournament. This investment underlines their status as heavy favourites in their match against Moroccan champions Wydad AC in Philadelphia.
After failing to secure a major trophy last season, finishing third in the league, experiencing an early Champions League exit, and losing the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace, Guardiola has made significant changes. The departure of club legend Kevin de Bruyne marks a pivotal moment, with fresh talent brought in to revitalise the midfield with the signings of new players. The injection of new blood aims to address the deficiencies of the previous campaign and position City for a strong showing in the Club World Cup and beyond.
- Will the new signings gel quickly?
- How will the team cope with the pressure of being favourites?
- Can Guardiola guide City back to their dominant best?