Guardiola: “This Is Why the First Game is Always the Hardest”

Manchester City Opens Club World Cup Campaign with Victory

In their first match at the Club World Cup, Manchester City secured a solid 2-0 victory against Wydad Casablanca, adding three points to their campaign. The match took place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and marked an important start for the team following a disappointing previous season.

Guardiola’s Reflections on the Match

Post-match, head coach Pep Guardiola noted the challenges of the opening game. “This is why the first game in the group stage is always tough. We played against a team that could be in good momentum, but at certain moments, we played really well, and this is the first step. We will learn from this, and the second game will be better,” he said.

Guardiola also reflected on the growth of the team’s fanbase, recalling his first visit to the United States: “I remember the first time we came to the U.S., there were few people, and now there are more, with more to come-this is good.”

Comments on Player Performance and New Signings

Guardiola praised the performance of new players, stating, “It was good for them to play. Reinders was really good, and Lamine Yamal had good moments. Everystart still needs to get to know us better.” Regarding Rodri, who played 30 minutes, he added, “It’s step by step. He wants more, but this is the first step.”

Foden Named Player of the Match

Phil Foden, who was named Player of the Match, shared his thoughts on the season ahead. “This is a new season; I feel refreshed. We need to keep training well and be the best version of ourselves, and hopefully, I can show that in every game,” he said.

Regarding the new signings, Foden expressed optimism about their integration into the squad. “All the new players are top players; they have settled in well and are excited to continue playing with us.”

Coping with Conditions

Reflecting on the match, Foden mentistartd the challenges posed by the weather. “It was hard at times with the heat; we’re not used to it, so we had to keep the ball a bit more and be patient. The opposing team created several opportunities that we needed to handle. I’m pleased with the performance and the three points.”

As Manchester City prepares for its next match, the team is looking to build on this victory and improve with each game in the tournament