Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is wary of a Fluminense side he expects to “play in a typical Brazilian style” in tomorrow’s Club World Cup final in Saudi Arabia.
City have spent the days following their semi-final victory over Urawa Reds studying the Copa Libertadores champions and Guardiola says his players had better be prepared to work hard to combat the South Americans’ fluid game.
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He said: “We try in the hours after [our last] game to see Fluminense as much as possible – looking at the quality they have. They have five, six or seven players more than 30 years old so that means they can control their emotions perfectly.
“They play a typical Brazilian style of the 1970s, 80s and the early 90s like when Brazil won the World Cup in 1994. Lots of short passes, combining really good, one v one but also physically demanding. We have to be aware how much they will try to run in behind, and be resilient in [dealing with] that.
“The way they play demands a lot of effort [from us]. The way they play we have never faced before. They move a lot from side to side, so we have to impose our own rhythm and possession game as much as possible.”
PEP 💬 I know exactly the talent and the quality of Fluminense and what they can do. They have beaten teams from Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay. I know my players and respect them for what they do.#CLUBWC PIC.TWITTER.COM/DFZHEUFRKC
— Manchester City (@ManCity) DECEMBER 21, 2023
Guardiola is chasing history as the first coach to win the event four times and he is confident his players are ready for the challenge.
He added: “The players are ready and they know how important it is.
“I know exactly the talent and the quality of Fluminense and what they can do. They have beaten teams from Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay.”
