FIFA Club WC Gives Pep Guardiola & Co. a ‘Free Hit’ to Address Serious ‘Issues,’ Argues Pundit

Following their historic treble, Manchester City has been given a reality check this season. Having already been knocked out of the Carabao Cup, Pep Guardiola & Co sit 4th in the Premier League. Their recent domestic form has been particularly worrying with just 1 win in their last 6 games. In this context, a pundit stated that the Club World Cup is the perfect opportunity for the Sky Blues to get their season back on track.

The Premier League Champions will participate in their first-ever FIFA Club World Match against Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds. A win will take them into the finals of the tournament, opening the chance to win a trophy never before achieved in the club’s history.

Club World Cup – A few games out of the limelight for Manchester City?

Shaka Hislop on the ESPN FC show gave his take on Manchester City’s motivation to play in the tournament. He explained, “It (Club World Cup) gives City a free hit in terms in terms of games and trying to address some of their issues.” Considering that one of their key rivals, Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad, has already been knocked out, this could be Pep Guardiola’s most likely chance to win silverware this season. Also, winning the tournament will keep the team in good spirits ahead of a tricky away match against Everton, who have not conceded a goal in their last 4 matches.

However, things are not very straightforward. Manchester City is already struggling with injuries to key players like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. The injury to Haaland was a recent one, with Guardiola doubtful about the Norwegian’s chance to play in the tournament. Moreover, the expectation is that the treble-winning side will emerge victorious in the competition. An upset result could potentially dampen their confidence even further.

While the club’s subpar form is a major topic of critique, their Spanish Manager seems quite relaxed about their prospects.

Pep Guardiola emerges with confidence ahead of the Club World Cup

In an official interview with the club, the veteran manager revealed his thoughts on the tournament. As per the Manchester City boss, players should not be desperate for victory. Rather, they should be focused on playing the 2 games in hand. Could this be the approach that led them to their first Champions League victory?

Read More: “Biggest Worry for Manchester City Fans” – Concerns Shroud Pep Guardiola & Co. Ahead of FIFA Club WC

While the driving motivation for Pep Guardiola is to clinch Manchester City’s first Club World Cup, he also recognizes the possibility of defeat. He said, “Win the first one (game) to deserve to play the final and if we don’t win it, we are going to win hopefully the Champions League in the future and will be back”, nonchalant as ever from the Spanish tactician.

Is Manchester City out of the Premier League title race? Or will Pep Guardiola inspire them to an unprecedented 4th consecutive Premier League title? Let us know in the comments below.

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