- Man City enter the 2025 Club World Cup after a turbulent 2024–25 season marked by poor form and major squad changes.
- Pep Guardiola has embraced a rebuild, with key departures like De Bruyne and new signings reshaping the squad.
- City face Wydad Casablanca, Al Ain, and Juventus in the group stage of the expanded tournament in the U.S.
Manchester City’s 2024–25 campaign was a far cry from their historic highs in 2023. A run of just one win in 13 games and a shock FA Cup final loss left fans stunned and critics questioning whether Guardiola’s golden era was over.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup offers a fresh opportunity to test this retooled City side on a global stage. With fixtures against Wydad Casablanca, Al Ain, and Juventus, Guardiola has a chance to fine-tune his tactics, integrate new signings, and reestablish momentum.
Manchester City’s Reset: New Faces, Big Tests at 2025 Club World Cup
Manchester City’s fall from dominance in the 2024–25 season came as a shock. From treble winners in 2023 to third-place finishers struggling with form and cohesion, the dip exposed the need for a strategic overhaul. Guardiola didn’t mince words, branding his side “weak and vulnerable” during their dramatic slump—clear signs a rebuild was overdue.
New arrivals like Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush signal Guardiola’s intent to refresh both defense and attack. Additionally, letting go of club legend Kevin De Bruyne and potentially Kyle Walker underscores his commitment to reshaping the team’s identity. It’s a ruthless but necessary step in evolving the squad.
The expanded format of the 2025 Club World Cup adds further complexity. Instead of a quick two-match affair, the tournament now mimics a condensed international competition. For City, the tournament offers real-time preparation and cohesion-building that the usual summer friendlies can’t match.
Rodri’s earlier concerns about player fatigue highlight the tension between competition and player welfare. Yet, despite those worries, Guardiola’s squad will fight on, treating the Club World Cup as more than just another trophy—it’s a battleground for redemption and renewal.
As Guardiola leads Manchester City into the 2025 Club World Cup, the mission is clear: restore belief, reassert control, and lay the foundation for a new era.
“If it keeps this way, there will be a moment that we have no other option [than to strike],” – Rodri, on player workload.
→ This quote captures the broader tension surrounding the expanded Club World Cup and frames the emotional and physical toll on even elite clubs like Manchester City.
