After easing their way into the Club World Cup the challenges are set to begin for Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City have achieved their first goal of the FIFA Club World Cup. They’ve ensured qualification for the Round of 16 of the competition with minimal fuss. Pep Guardiola’s side has easily beaten Wydad AC and Al Ain to ensure qualification from Group G. Up next for Manchester City is their final Group G match against Juventus. From that game onwards the challenges are about to come thick and fast for Pep Guardiola’s side.

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In their opening two Group G fixtures, Pep Guardiola’s side has scored eight goals and is yet to concede a goal. Those statistics are impressive but they have come against weaker opposition. That isn’t meant to be disrespectful to Wydad AC and Al Ain but that’s the reality of the gulf in class between Manchester City and their first two Club World Cup opponents. The games had a purpose and it has been served and positive signs have been displayed by Pep Guardiola’s side, although there are small areas of concern that need to be worked on if Manchester City are to win the FIFA Club World Cup.

Manchester City’s matches against Wydad AC and Al Ain have allowed Pep Guardiola to play most of his squad. New signings Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders have impressed. Rodri and Oscar Bobb have shown that they are on the comeback trail from serious injuries. Phil Foden has looked to rediscover his best form after a difficult 24/25 season. Those are some of the positives to take from City’s first two Group G fixtures at the Club World Cup.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Pep Guardiola’s side.

In terms of concerns, there has been one major issue that needs to be addressed. Manchester City still have a susceptibility to the counterattack. That has been seen against Wydad AC and Al Ain. Fortunately for Pep Guardiola’s side, their first two opponents haven’t had the quality to make City pay for that specific vulnerability. Juventus and whoever Manchester City face in the Round of 16 of the tournament will likely have the ability to exploit this weakness.

Although, it must be said that this vulnerability that has been on display in Manchester City’s first two Club World Cup matches has come more from Pep Guardiola’s side losing possession in dangerous areas of the pitch. So it should be tidied up if City’s players take better care when in possession.

Summary.

The challenges are set to begin for Manchester City at the FIFA Club World Cup. Their final Group G fixture against Juventus is the first one that Pep Guardiola’s side must overcome. A win over Juventus will see Pep Guardiola’s side win Group G and could set them up for the knockout stages of a tournament the club is determined to win in the United States.