City’s Florida base offered a refreshing backdrop as the team sought to regain form, but their aspirations for success in the Club World Cup took a hit during the tournament.
New signings, including Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, showcased promising energy and enthusiasm in their performances. French international Rayan Cherki made his mark in the group stages, contributing a stunning assist for Phil Foden’s decisive extra-time goal against Al-Hilal. However, the team faces pressing concerns, particularly in defense.
Algerian full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri’s offensive contributions are noteworthy, yet his defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed, particularly in matches against stronger opponents. Additionally, Matheus Nunes, currently playing at right-back, has raised eyebrows due to his misalignment; the team needs to consider finding a suitable right-back to strengthen their defense.
Manager Pep Guardiola must also address the sluggishness at the back, as the central defenders struggled to keep up with Al-Hilal’s fast-paced forwards. As the coach looks to refine his squad ahead of the upcoming season, the future of key players, including England’s John Stones—who did not feature at all during the tournament—remains uncertain.
Guardiola’s concerns extend to midfielder Rodri, who returned from injury and faced an undisclosed issue during the game. After playing as a substitute, he expressed dissatisfaction with his situation before being substituted out again in extra time.
While challenges remain for City, there are signs of potential in their new signings, indicating that with some strategic adjustments, they could still turn their season around.