Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has questioned the club`s involvement in the upcoming expanded FIFA Club World Cup, warning that it could severely impact player fitness for the subsequent season.
Following a season where Pep Guardiola`s side did not secure a major trophy for the first time since 2017, finishing third in the Premier League and runners-up in the FA Cup, their campaign could potentially extend into mid-July if they reach the Club World Cup final.
Akanji, who is 29 and is currently in the US on international duty with Switzerland, is set to remain in the United States for the tournament. He stated, “I have been a strong critic of this competition for some time now.”
He added, “We players would love to have some holidays, and some time for our bodies to rest. My City teammates are not exactly overjoyed about the tournament either.”
Despite the players` reservations, Akanji acknowledged the situation: “But it`s now right in our faces, and there is nothing we can do about it. If we take part, then of course we want to win it.”
However, he reiterated the fitness concern: “But if we reach the final, then the time period for us to recover ahead of the new season will become even shorter.”
The defender, signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, fears that these fitness challenges could hinder their pursuit of trophies in the future. Reflecting on the past season, Akanji commented, “Set against the expectations we have, this hasn`t been a good season. We finished third in the Premier League, three points behind Arsenal, and qualified for the Champions League. But it is still our worst campaign for some time.”
He did, however, note Pep Guardiola`s perspective: “However, Pep Guardiola still said he was proud of us for never giving up. The season could have finished far worse than it did.”
Manchester City is scheduled to commence their Club World Cup campaign on June 18 against Wydad AC from Morocco. They will then play against the Saudi team Al Ain FC five days later, followed by Italian club Juventus on June 26.
Marcus Bellamy