Guardiola handed debuts to attacker Rayan Cherki and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders in their Group F opener, a 2-0 win over Wydad Athletic Club, in what has been hailed a new era as the Spanish mentor looks to rebuild.

There has been criticism that some of the European clubs are using the tournament as pre-season rather than taking it seriously. City won the previous edition in 2023 before the format changed to 32-teams, and Guardiola says the competition deserves respect.

“It's like a days and the prestigious are to play the world cup and all around the world, but  and we are to do it. Mentally we have to prepare  and play better . The target is that ok this is our level today, and we have to be better in the next game . So this is how we think about it.”

The City coach was impressed with Wydad, especially in the first half, but the Moroccan outfit were no match for the English Premier League giants when they found their rhythm.

“ When we allowed them to play they have good quality , but we  had our moments and chances , clear ones to increase. They had one or two chances in general for the conditions I gave credit t the players of both teams. So yes, three points and I am happy.”

--ChannelAfrica--