Pep Guardiola has admitted he is unsure whether Manchester City’s involvement in the expanded Club World Cup will ultimately derail their bid for another Premier League title.
The reigning English champions are currently in the United States for the tournament, where they face Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in the last 16 in Orlando on Monday night (2am Tuesday UK time). But the congested summer schedule has raised concerns about the toll it could take on players ahead of the 2025-26 season.
England manager Thomas Tuchel recently warned that City and Chelsea’s participation could hand title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal a “huge advantage” in the upcoming campaign. Former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, now head of global soccer for Red Bull, has described the event as “the worst idea ever implemented in football,” citing player welfare issues.
Guardiola, however, insisted his focus is on City rediscovering their best form after what he described as a frustrating 2024–25 season.
“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.”
Looking ahead to the domestic season, Guardiola acknowledged the potential risks posed by the Club World Cup schedule.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Responding to Klopp’s criticism, Guardiola said he understood his long-time rival’s concerns, but hinted that some of the complaints from others may be rooted in jealousy.
“I fought a lot with Jurgen many, many times. I know where his idea comes from,” Guardiola said at a press conference.
“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.”
The tournament has already been marred by difficult weather conditions, including extreme heat and thunderstorms. Chelsea’s last-16 win over Benfica on Saturday was delayed for nearly two hours due to lightning.
Guardiola joked: “I am an extraordinary manager but to control lightning and thunder, still I am not good enough!
“If it is (suspended) here the same reason as why they suspend the other one, I will go inside and we will continue to be active and play again.
“It is not the ideal situation but I grew up to understand not to be worried about the situations that I can’t control. So no problem.”