In a recent interview, the chairman of Manchester City FC, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, said that the team will complete the summer transfer work as soon as possible and try to put all the new players in place before the Club World Cup, which starts on June 15th.That way, the team will be able to go to the tournament with a brand new lineup.
This Club World Cup is not quite the same as before, with a bigger format and more teams than before.For Manchester City, this could be a major opportunity.Because if they want to get the title in the new season, this competition is one of their last chances.
However, this season is not going well for Manchester City.Although they have been a strong team in the Premier League for the past few years, the middle part of the season has been a bit poor.The team dropped out of the race for the league title early, and almost didn’t even qualify for next season’s Champions League.
In the January transfer window, City brought in a few new players in the form of Nico Gonzalez, Omar Marmoush, Abdelkodir Husanov and Vitor Reus.Although the team failed to win the FA Cup final (losing to Crystal Palace) after the arrival of these players, the team performed well in a couple of games towards the end of the season, finishing third in the Premier League.
In an interview with the club’s in-house media, Mubarak said, “We are happy with all these players who came in January.This is not a temporary decision, but part of our long-term plan.We have clear objectives in every position and also option A and B. We will move forward quickly yet decisively.”
He has been chairman of Manchester City FC since 2008, when Sheikh Mansour bought the club.Under his leadership, City have risen through the ranks to become one of the strongest teams in England.They have won eight Premier League titles over the years, three in the 2022/23 season and also won the Champions League for the first time.
However, the 2024/25 season was really quite tough for them.Pep Guardiola brought this team to lose 16 games in various competitions, which is the worst result since the Spanish coach took charge.
When asked what he would like to say in the face of the disappointment of the fans, Mubarak said that the core players like Erlin Harland and Rhodri have made up their minds to make a comeback in the new season.
He said, “I met the players after that Fulham game and everyone is actually looking forward to the new season.But nobody was happy with the way we played at the end of the season.They all wanted to come back to training early and come back to play with a stronger determination.Normally at this time of year, everyone is probably thinking about taking a vacation and resting, but now everyone is saying, ‘We’ll be back in three weeks’.”
He also singled out Rodney and Harland.Rodri wants to play more games to stay in shape, while Harland doesn’t even want to go on vacation, but plans to stay and train with the medical team to prepare for the new season ahead of time.
Mubarak said, “That’s the attitude I want to see.That spirit makes me feel confident.”
He also revealed that the team’s preparations for the new season had actually started the day after the last game.”I just talked to our CEO Ferran Soriano and they were meeting all day that day to discuss the next plans.Yesterday was the last game and today we’re already on the move.Nobody is thinking about a vacation right now.”
Additionally, Mubarak spoke about outgoing veteran Kevin De Bruyne.According to media reports, De Bruyne is close to reaching an agreement with Napoli in Italy to leave City on a free transfer when his contract expires.
Mubarak spoke very highly of De Bruyne.“Kevin is really special,” he said. “Both from a fan’s point of view and as club chairman, I think he is one of the best players in City’s history.His achievements are there for all to see, he’s won the Premier League title, the Champions League title, the FA Cup, the Community Shield, the League Cup …… pretty much every trophy he can get his hands on.No one has contributed more to Manchester City than him.”
De Bruyne has also been named PFA Player of the Year twice.Mubarak added: “He’s not just a good player, he’s a captain, a leader, a trusted teammate.His performances on and off the field exemplify what a top player should be.”
Regarding the upcoming Club World Cup, City will face three teams in the group stage: Al Widad from Morocco, Al Ain from the UAE, and Juventus from Italy.
Mubarak is clearly looking forward to the future of his team.Despite last season’s poor performance, he believes that as long as the team maintains this positive mentality, coupled with reasonable reinforcements and adjustments, City still has a chance to regain its top form in the new season.
Overall, City’s management is ready and they will not waste any time, aiming to complete all transfer moves before the Club World Cup kicks off, so that the team will be in the best shape to meet the challenge.
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