A major problem may have been avoided for Manchester City due to their early Club World Cup exit | OneFootball

Unfortunately for Manchester City, their FIFA Club World Cup campaign came to an unexpected end with their 4-3 defeat to Al Hilal. Pep Guardiola’s side exited the competition at the round of 16 stage. Manchester City’s goal was to win the competition which they fell short of. But while Pep Guardiola’s side’s early exit from the Club World Cup was disappointing, there may be a silver lining to their defeat. The Manchester City players will now have time to rest ahead of the 25/26 season.

The issue of fatigue hitting the Manchester City squad during the 25/26 season may now be non-existent.

If Pep Guardiola’s side had progressed to the final or semi-final of the Club World Cup, they would have had a shorter break before their opening Premier League fixture of the 25/26 season. Manchester City will face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on August 16. While winning the FIFA Club World Cup or at least making the final would have been a massive boost for City it did come with a major risk. At some point during next season it wouldn’t have been a surprise if fatigue caught up to Pep Guardiola’s squad. But now that issue has been avoided. While it wasn’t the plan for Manchester City it may be the best thing for the City players to actually get some rest. It certainly can’t do them any harm as they bid to return to the top of English and European football next season.

A month off will greatly benefit the majority of Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Jack Gaughan has reported for the Daily Mail that the Manchester City squad that played in the United States are set for a month off. The players who travelled to the United States will actually get time away from the game. They can rest and recuperate after a busy 24/25 season summer. The opportunity to rest can only be a blessing for them. The hope is that they can all return to training on July 28 refreshed and ready to work.

Manchester City’s defeat to Al Hilal was disappointing. There is no doubt about that. But it does come with a silver lining that Pep Guardiola’s squad can finally rest and recharge. That cannot possibly be a bad thing for a City squad that rarely gets the opportunity to rest.