Pep Guardiola response to today's match against Juventus

 

Today, Thursday, June 26, 2025, Manchester City is facing Juventus in their final group stage match of the FIFA Club World Cup. Pep Guardiola held a pre-match press conference where he addressed several key points:

 * Injury Update: Guardiola confirmed that Claudio Echeverri will miss the match and is likely out for the remainder of the tournament due to an ankle injury. This is a significant blow as Echeverri scored a stunning free-kick in his first start for City recently.

 * Rico Lewis's Ban: Guardiola expressed frustration over Rico Lewis's three-match ban, which was upheld by FIFA. Lewis received a straight red card in a previous match, and Guardiola believes the decision was harsh and unintentional on the young defender's part.

 * Squad Rotation and Heat: Due to the hot conditions in Orlando, Guardiola stated that he plans to rotate the squad heavily, including making substitutions at halftime, as it's "unsustainable to play a full 90 minutes" at the current rhythm. He also mentioned that Rodri, who is returning from an ACL injury, might feature for the last 30-35 minutes but is unlikely to start.

 * Importance of the Match: City and Juventus are tied on points in their group, so winning this match is crucial for City to top the group and potentially avoid a tougher opponent like Real Madrid in the round of 16. Guardiola emphasized the need for his team to "be ready to suffer" in the conditions and give a worthy spectacle for the fans.

It's clear that Guardiola is focused on managing his squad through injuries and the demanding conditions while aiming to secure the top spot in the group.

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