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Published on 2024-03-13 13:05:47
Former Manchester City captain Fernandinho shared the strategic advice and warning he gave to Pep Guardiola ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup final in 2023.
This marked Manchester City’s first triumph in the prestigious tournament, in its final edition before FIFA revamped it with an expanded version to be hosted by the United States.
After securing victories in the previous season’s UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup, Manchester City aimed to complete a historic five-trophy haul in a single calendar year by competing in the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
They defeated Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-finals to set up a showdown with Brazilian powerhouse Fluminense in the final held in the Middle-East.
In an exclusive interview with the Denilson Show, Fernandinho revealed that he had extensively researched Fluminense before the final match and had warned Guardiola about the team’s playing style.
“I did my homework. I warned the guys there. I said, ‘Look, you have to press high, otherwise you will suffer.’ I spoke with (Pep) Guardiola,” Fernandinho explained, as translated by City Xtra Portuguese.
” They played on Saturday, so on Friday I was there at the training ground and we talked. What I said was, ‘In Brazil, there’s no team that presses Fluminense and manages to maintain that pressure.’”
Despite Fluminense’s impressive attacking display and bold style of play, Manchester City’s class and quality prevailed. They took an early lead through Julian Alvarez and added to it with an own goal before scoring two more goals in the second half, securing a comprehensive victory.
Julian Alvarez was named Man of the Match for his standout performance in the final held at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
Fernandinho’s tactical insights and Guardiola’s guidance proved crucial in Manchester City’s success, as they achieved their goal of winning the Club World Cup amidst tough competition from other top teams.
The victory added to City’s growing list of achievements and solidified their status as one of the top clubs in world football.
Read Original article on City Xtra
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