According to Pep Guardiola, Manchester City has never encountered a team similar to Fluminense before the Club World Cup final.

Pep Guardiola, the head coach of Manchester City, has openly praised Fluminense before their upcoming match in the Club World Cup. Guardiola is in awe of Fluminense and claims that his team has never encountered a team quite like them before. He even draws comparisons between Fluminense and the legendary Brazil national teams of the past.

Under the interim management of Fernando Diniz, Fluminense has adopted a distinctive style of play that focuses on player versatility. This innovative tactic has proven successful as they clinched their first-ever Copa Libertadores title in November by defeating Boca Juniors 1-0. In a pre-match interview with journalists, Guardiola recognized the difficulty posed by Fluminense’s playing style. He highlighted the importance of being resilient and accurate when in possession, emphasizing that a strong performance is vital for securing a win.

Additionally, Guardiola commended Fluminense’s style of play, drawing parallels to the successful Brazilian teams of the past decades. He conveyed his deep admiration for the essence of Brazilian football, which has captivated him since he was a child. Amidst uncertainties surrounding their capacity to secure a fourth consecutive Premier League championship, Manchester City is heading into the final. This comes after a series of disappointing performances in the league. Unfortunately, they will have to compete without Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku, who are all injured. On the other hand, Fluminense is in excellent health and will have the advantage of having former Real Madrid defender Marcelo and midfielder Andre, who have been linked to potential transfers to Arsenal and Liverpool. Fluminense’s attack will be bolstered by German Cano, who has impressively scored 40 goals in 59 games this year, making him a formidable threat. Guardiola conveyed his enthusiasm for the upcoming game and his deep appreciation for Fluminense’s distinctive approach to playing football. He underscored the significance of the team’s methodical progression on the field and the immense regard that Fluminense players hold for the ball.

Manchester City has set its sights on becoming the fourth English team to clinch victory in the Club World Cup, following the footsteps of Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea.

Supporters have the opportunity to witness the Club World Cup on TNT Sports and discovery+. All the seven matches of the tournament will be aired live on TNT Sports, while those seeking uninterrupted coverage can enjoy ad-free streaming on discovery+.