When the story of Manchester City’s 23/24 season the FIFA Club World Cup may be looked back up upon as the turning point in City’s season. The world champions headed to Saudi Arabia on the back of disappointing a 2-all draw with Crystal Palace at the Etihad.
That result had capped off a rare off spell of results for Manchester City. The usual methodical play from Pep Guardiola’s side had been plagued by individuals errors and poor results.
But the European champions performances at the FIFA Club World Cup resembled Pep Guardiola’s side back to their best. They swept aside Urawa Red Diamonds and Fluminense to claim the coveted FIFA Club World Cup. That form has translated back into the domestic game since City’s triumph in Saudi Arabia.
Wins over Everton, Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, Newcastle, Tottenham and Burnley have followed City’s Club World Cup success. That form has set the table for Manchester City to launch into the second half of the season. Pep Guardiola’s side is now well placed to attempt to defend the treble they won last season.
Speaking with mancity.com Nathan Ake said that winning the Club World Cup gave City the boost they needed. He said that they are now hungry for more success. He said: “We obviously had a few setbacks which is normal over the course of a season, but winning the Club World Cup in December gave us a big boost and since then we have been able to hit some good form. That form is something we want to continue in the next few weeks and months.”
When the story of City’s season is written the FIFA Club World Cup may be the pivotal point in City’s season.