Despite Manchester City’s emphatic 6-0 win over Al-Ain in the FIFA Club World Cup, manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that lifting the trophy will not compensate for the club’s underwhelming 2024–25 season. Speaking ahead of the Group G clash, Guardiola acknowledged the team’s shortcomings in domestic and European competitions, stating that the Club World Cup triumph, while prestigious, “won’t change the narrative” of a disappointing campaign.
“I said many times, the season was not good. Winning this competition is not going to change that,” Guardiola told reporters in Atlanta.
⚽ A Season Below Expectations
Manchester City, who were aiming for a fifth consecutive Premier League title, finished third in the league and were eliminated by Real Madrid in the Champions League knockout playoffs. The FA Cup campaign also ended in disappointment, leaving the Club World Cup as their only shot at silverware this season.
🏆 Club World Cup: A Moment of Pride, Not Redemption
Guardiola, who has now guided City to the knockout stages of the revamped 32-team Club World Cup, emphasized that while the tournament is a “privilege to be part of”, it cannot erase the setbacks of the past year. He praised the passion of South American clubs and urged European teams to embrace the competition with similar enthusiasm.
“I love how Brazilian and Argentinian teams celebrate this competition. For them, it’s the maximum. We should learn from that,” he added.
🔜 What’s Next for City?
With a place in the Round of 16 secured, City will now face tougher opposition as they aim to add a second Club World Cup title to their cabinet. However, Guardiola’s focus remains on rebuilding for the next season, integrating new signings, and restoring the club’s dominance across all fronts.
Stay tuned for more updates from the FIFA Club World Cup.
