Friday’s FIFA Club World Cup final between Manchester City and Fluminense nears the game will feature two managers with two contrasting philosophies. In one corner will be Manchester City and Pep Guardiola. Pep and City’s playing style is well-known and it formed the foundation of City’s 3-nil win over Urawa Red Diamonds. In the other will be Fluminense and their manager Fernando Diniz.
Fluminense manager Fernando Diniz has been known as the opposite to Pep Guardiola. The Brazilian side’s game style aims to create overloads in tight spaces with their players grouped together. Diniz’s game style formed the foundation of Fluminense’s Copa Libertadores success last season. With players such as Ganso, Andre, Marcelo and Felipe Melo in their ranks, the Brazilian side can be a handful for their opponent.
When previously asked about the difference between he and Guardiola’s style of play Diniz answered: “The way Pep likes having possession is the opposite of mine. His style is positional, mine is anti-positional.”
Friday’s showpiece final will make for an interesting tactical battle. Fluminense beat Al Ahly 2-nil in their semi-final. But they did give up 19 attempts on goal with 7 of those on target. If they give up the same quality of chances to the European champions it may be a different result.
With games between European sides and South American teams becoming rare Friday’s FIFA Club World Cup final could be an enthralling encounter. The battle in the dugout will be an entertaining subplot to the game.
It promises to be a spectacular game in Jeddah on Friday night. The two sides will be keen to create history for their clubs. While the FIFA Club World Cup has its detractors Friday’s final could showcase what is great about the competition.
