Pep Guardiola: Manchester City ‘closed chapter’ with Club World Cup triumph - ‘We won all the titles’

Manchester City became world champions for the first time as they captured Club World Cup success with a victory over Fluminense on Friday.

Pep Guardiola believes City “closed a chapter” with their latest prize, while Phil Foden has branded the accolade as “massive” for the Premier League side.

Foden was on target for his boyhood club in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as Julian Alvarez also struck twice with Nino’s first-half own goal also contributing to a 4-0 triumph.

Guardiola has now guided City to 16 trophies since his arrival in 2016 and feels the latest addition to the cabinet under his stewardship marks a significant moment in the club’s history.

“We had the feeling we would close the chapter, we won all the titles, there’s nothing else to win,” Guardiola said after City celebrated their fifth honour of the year. “I had a feeling the job was done, it was over.

“Enzo [Maresca] helped us to win the treble, Mikel [Arteta] in my staff, all the players from day one. Vincent [Kompany] to Kyle [Walker] as captains, all the players helped us to achieve something incredible to be here and to play this tournament.

“Now it’s Christmas time, buy another book and start to write it again. The last eight years, it’s over.”

Guardiola added he could never have imagined what he has achieved in Manchester since he arrived more than six years ago.

“It’s unbelievable what we have done,” he explained. “Today we celebrate on the plane, tomorrow rest, try to buy a new book and start to write beautiful histories.

“The players out there are still hungry and motivated. I’m really pleased for many people in the club. It’s a beautiful, beautiful day, I could never think when we arrived in Manchester that we could do this and finish with the [Club] World Cup.”

With the Club World Cup missing from City’s illustrious trophy cabinet prior to the game, Foden recognised the importance of the latest piece of silverware.

“It was an unbelievable match,” he said. “Fair play to them [Fluminense], the way they play. I love the way they play. Short passes, they’re a great side and they didn’t make it easy today.

“But I thought the lads not only showed quality but heart and determination. We’re not used to playing in this heat so it was difficult, but yeah, delighted with the outcome.

“Obviously, this one is so important for the club as well. I’m delighted, it’s the first time we’ve won it so it’s massive for the club.”

City’s 23-year-old striker Alvarez, who has won the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Super Cup, Premier League, FA Cup and now this Club World Cup since December 2022, opened the scoring inside 40 seconds when he bundled in a rebound after Nathan Ake struck a post from distance.

Nino’s own goal on the half-hour mark made the task even trickier for the Brazilian outfit, who had the game taken away from them when Foden finished a brilliant City move for 3-0.

Alvarez’s 88th-minute strike wrapped up a near-faultless calendar year for City who have claimed five major honours in 2023.

There was a worrying moment for City when key midfielder Rodri was on the end of a strong challenge from Alexsander Gomes, which left the Portuguese star clutching his knee in pain.

After limping off the pitch following treatment, he tried to continue but was clearly in some discomfort as he quickly dropped to the turf and held his head in his hands.

But in a moment of relief for Guardiola and City fans, Rodri - who was so integral in City’s treble-winning run - comfortably walked out for the post-match ceremony unaided to collect his medal and player of the tournament trophy.

He reportedly left the stadium in a knee brace but is confident it is nothing serious after a “scary” moment.

"I was very lucky today. It was one of the worst tackles in my career,” he told Sky Sports. "I was so scared because I felt my knee but fortunately it was nothing. I said to the player: 'You cannot do these kind of actions.'

“Today, I won more than a trophy. I go home safe but I was very close to crying. I felt very worried but it is nothing."

City's latest trophy haul has been a welcome distraction for the club who have struggled domestically of late, as they have won just one of their last six Premier League games.

Having slipped to fourth in the table and drifted five points from leaders Arsenal, Guardiola’s side have a rest this weekend before they return to league action after Christmas.

They will be hoping that their Club World Cup success can help them to rediscover their form as they look to get their title defence back on track against a rejuvenated Everton side on Wednesday, December 27.

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