‘Proud’ Pep Guardiola Takes Swipe at English Clubs After Winning Club World Cup With Man City

• Man City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his delight after his side clinched the Club World Cup
• Guardiola became the first manager to win the competition with three different clubs
• He appeared to aim a thinly-veiled swipe at Premier League clubs after his side's triumph

Pep Guardiola subtly addressed English clubs following Manchester City's triumphant 4-0 win against Fluminese, securing their inaugural FIFA Club World Cup victory at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Guardiola's charges effortlessly outplayed the Copa Libertadores champions, marking their place in history with goals from Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden, along with an own goal from Nino.

This resounding win not only solidified City's status as reigning Premier League and European champions but also bestowed upon them the esteemed title of world champions, culminating in their fifth trophy of 2023.

Chelsea's rivals: Who are the Blues' primary rivals, and what sparks the heat in these rivalries?

Football

Man City's five trophies in 2023

Having already secured the EPL and the English FA Cup, they capped off a historic treble by triumphing over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final, a feat only one other Premier League side had achieved: Manchester United.

City elevated their accomplishments even further by claiming victory over Europa League winners Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup and concluding their stellar year with the FIFA Club World Cup.

With this latest win, England now boasts the most champions in the history of the Club World Cup, with Manchester City joining the ranks of Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola's CWC records

Moreover, Guardiola extended his personal record by becoming the most successful manager in Club World Cup history, surpassing Carlo Ancelotti with his latest accomplishment.

His previous triumphs include two titles with FC Barcelona (in 2009 and 2011) and another with Bayern Munich in 2013.

Manchester United rivals: Who are Man U’s biggest rivals and why?

Football

For context, the 52-year-old tactician also became the first manager to win the FIFA CWC with three different teams, having won it twice with Barcelona, once with Bayern Munich, and now with current club Manchester City, per Opta Statistics.

Guardiola takes swipe at EPL clubs

After orchestrating yet another victorious campaign for the Citizens, Guardiola, often hailed as football's greatest manager, subtly addressed the Premier League clubs.

"I'd like to say we had the feeling we would close the chapter by winning the World Cup. We won all the titles... I had a feeling the job was done. It was over," he began, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

Pep continued: "I am so proud of this club. It's something no other English team has ever achieved."

Exciting news! We have a WhatsApp channel 🤩

➡️ Click to join our channel for all your favourite sports news.

Top 7 clubs with most social media followers across major platforms

Football

Guardiola proves Sir Alex Ferguson wrong

Sports Brief also reported that Manchester City have proven Sir Alex Ferguson wrong after winning the FIFA Club World Cup, and they have done it in his lifetime – a time he said it would never happen.

Ahead of the first derby of the 2009/10 season, Ferguson was asked if the Citizens would ever be top guns and if United would ever go into the derby as underdogs, and his response was demeaning.