Playing at the Club World Cup could eventually take a toll on the Manchester City squad | OneFootball

Manchester City have been busy preparing for their FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 clash with Al Hilal. Tomorrow morning’s match against the Saudi Pro League side is the first step in City’s bid to progress through the knockout stages of the competition. But heading into the match questions about what toll playing in the competition will have on the Manchester City squad have arisen. There is no doubt that a toll will have to be paid for City’s participation in a tournament in the American summer heat. But when it comes is anybody’s guess.

Pep Guardiola has spoken of what may come later in the season for his Manchester City squad.

Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s round of 16 clash with Al Hilal, Pep Guardiola was asked about the potential toll playing in the FIFA Club World Cup may have on his squad. Guardiola explained that the competition is a key part of helping his team restore their belief and confidence. He added that there may be a physical price to be paid for his team’s participation in the tournament. Guardiola explained: “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. 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.”

“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.”

Time will tell if there is a price to be paid for Manchester City’s involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup.

There’s no way of knowing what the toll of playing in the FIFA Club World Cup will be for the Manchester City squad. That won’t reveal itself until the 25/26 season is well and truly underway. Perhaps there will be a physical price to pay for Manchester City’s involvement in the competition. Potentially playing seven games in the American summer heat may become a bridge too far for Pep Guardiola’s squad. But that bridge can only be crossed when it is met. That’s the reality of the situation in front of the Manchester City squad.

For now, all that matters for Pep Guardiola’s squad is tomorrow morning’s match against Al Hilal. Manchester City will be hoping to pick up a victory to progress to the quarter-final stage of the Club World Cup. That’s the next obstacle in front of Pep Guardiola’s side. What may come months down the track will be dealt with then. There is nothing to be gained from dwelling on what hasn’t occurred just yet. Or what may not come at all for the Manchester City squad if they’re lucky.