Guardiola: 'Maybe FIFA can tell us which players are the best...'

Soccereco, Staff Writer

Published: 04:15, 4 Oct 2024

Manchester City coach reacts to a request for clubs to bring the best players to the World Cup taking place at the end of the season.

Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, expressed his astonishment this Friday at FIFA’s request for clubs to bring their best players to the upcoming Club World Cup, which is set to take place in the United States at the end of the season.

The tournament, which features the champions from each continent, is one of the premier competitions in the world of club football, but Guardiola seemed perplexed by the notion that only certain players should be considered "the best" for such an event.

"Who are the best players? Maybe FIFA can tell us which players they believe are the best," Guardiola remarked during the press conference, showing clear confusion over the criteria FIFA might use to determine a club’s best squad. He emphasized that his approach to team selection would depend on the form and fitness of his entire squad, not on any predefined list of "best" players. "I don’t understand. We will bring the whole squad, and since we’ll be playing more than one game, we will bring more than 11 players. I don't know who the best will be it depends on their form at that moment," he explained.

Guardiola also pointed out the inherent unpredictability of footballers' conditions leading up to a major tournament. "Perhaps those that FIFA considers the best may arrive in very poor condition, and that can happen for many reasons: personal, physical, injuries. In that case, we will have to play other players," he added, highlighting that a player's availability is influenced by many factors, such as injuries or personal circumstances, which could affect their participation in the Club World Cup.

The manager’s remarks reflect his pragmatic approach to squad management, prioritizing fitness and form over status or expectations. Guardiola, who has built Manchester City into one of the most dominant teams in world football, is known for meticulously managing his players' minutes to maintain peak performance levels throughout a long and grueling season. His comments could be interpreted as a subtle pushback against FIFA’s growing demands on elite clubs and their players, who are already dealing with congested fixture schedules and the physical toll that comes with playing in multiple competitions.

Beyond the Club World Cup, Guardiola also took a moment to address a touching gesture from Manchester City fans. During a recent match against Fulham, supporters of the club pooled their money to create a banner urging the Spanish coach to stay in Manchester, amidst speculation about his future. When asked about this act of devotion from the fans, Guardiola responded with gratitude and humor. "Bring me the bill, and I’ll pay. I don't want them to spend money," he said with a smile. "I’m grateful to them; I’ve felt their affection since I arrived here."

Although Guardiola’s contract with Manchester City runs until 2025, speculation about his future has been a recurring theme throughout his managerial career, particularly due to his previous comments about the intensity and demands of football management. His latest remarks suggest that while he deeply appreciates the support from the City faithful, he remains focused on the present and hasn’t committed to any long-term decisions about his career just yet.

Guardiola has enjoyed immense success at Manchester City since joining the club in 2016, leading them to multiple Premier League titles, domestic cup triumphs, and their first UEFA Champions League victory. His tenure has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence, tactical innovation, and a deep connection with the club’s fanbase. However, the manager’s comments about the future were notably reserved, leaving the door open to speculation about how long he intends to remain at the helm of the Manchester side.

As the season progresses, Guardiola will have his hands full navigating Manchester City’s pursuit of more silverware on multiple fronts, including the Premier League, Champions League, and, of course, the Club World Cup. With FIFA’s growing expectations and his squad’s wellbeing to manage, Guardiola’s focus will remain on getting the best out of his players, no matter who is deemed the "best" by external standards.