Guardiola skeptical about City’s Premier League campaign amidst Club World Cup heat

Manchester City are among the favourite teams tipped to win the ongoing Club World Cup in the United States but Pep Guardiola has admitted he does not know if the tournament will affect their Premier League campaign.

The Club World Cup have been met with mixed reactions from football lovers. England manager Thomas Tuchel recently said the involvement of City and Chelsea in this summer’s tournament would hand the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal a “huge advantage” in the title race.

Also, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp described the event as “the worst idea ever implemented in football” because of concerns over player welfare.

Guardiola, however, insists City – who face Al Hilal in a last-16 tie in Orlando on Monday night are focused on rediscovering their best after a frustrating 2024-25 season and claiming the prize.

“I try to relax, enjoy the days here and the good vibes that we have, the competition and we try to win it,” Guardiola said.

“The most important thing is to recover and find within ourselves what we were. That’s my main target in this tournament.

“I want them to feel that this is our path again to be competitive like we have been in eight of the last nine years.

Pep Guardiola speaks with the team during a hydration break during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Manchester City FC. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

“After this, let’s see what happens. Let’s see what happens after the final. We will rest for the time the Premier League allow us.

“Maybe in November, December or January it will be a disaster, we are exhausted and the World Cup has destroyed us.

“I don’t know, it’s the first time in our lives that this has happened. We will see when we come back.”

Guardiola also suggested people complaining might be jealous they are not participating in the tournament.

Speaking at a press conference, Guardiola said: “I fought a lot with Jurgen many, many times. I know where his idea comes from.

“I respect him, I would defend his argument as well. At the same time, as managers, we are in a job. We don’t organise the competitions.

“Once we are here, we are proud. Many, many teams complain about these competitions because they are not here, otherwise they might love being here.”