Phil Foden, midfielder for Manchester City, has expressed the club’s determination to clinch the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup as they gear up for their first training session in Fort Lauderdale.
In an interview with FIFA on the eve of the tournament, the 25-year-old acknowledged that it is “obviously” their ambition to become the very first champions of this newly established competition.
Drawn into a manageable Group G, Man City will kick off their campaign on June 18 against Morocco’s Wydad AC, followed by matches against UAE’s Al Ain and Serie A giants Juventus.
However, a daunting challenge awaits in the round of 16, where they could potentially clash with either Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga champions, or Real Madrid, who have lifted the Champions League trophy 15 times.
Phil Foden discusses the upcoming Club World Cup with FIFA.
Courtesy of FIFA 2025
“After chatting with a few of the lads, we’ve all agreed – being the first to lift the trophy would be something special,” Foden remarked.
“That’s certainly our target, and with the calibre of players we have in the team, I’m confident we’re more than capable of achieving it.”
“On a personal level, my goal is simply to enjoy the experience, compete against the best, and perform at my highest level. That’s what it’s all about for me.”
Manchester City boasts a significant fan base in the United States, and Foden is eager to showcase their talent in front of fans, many of whom might be witnessing the team live for the first time.
“Making the trip over to watch us play isn’t easy, so I’m sure they’re excited to see us in person.”
“They’ll have the chance to watch us in action, and I’m genuinely thrilled for them. Hopefully, we can deliver a great performance and secure a win for our supporters.”
Arriving in the US after a lacklustre season, City is looking to bounce back from the disappointment of not winning any trophies for the first time since the 2016/17 season.
They finished third in the Premier League, were eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2012/13, and suffered a defeat in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.
However, Foden warns that fans should never underestimate them, particularly with superstar striker Erling Haaland in the squad, along with the promising defender Nico O’Reilly showing significant growth.
“On the pitch, everyone knows his capabilities. He’s phenomenal. When Erling’s in the starting line-up, you just expect him to find the net every game. That’s the level he’s operating at,” he shared.
“He doesn’t have to be heavily involved in the build-up; he has this innate belief that if he gets a single chance, he’ll convert it, which is a testament to his brilliant mindset. The number of goals he’s scored at such a young age is astonishing.”
“Nico is a really down-to-earth person; he doesn’t get ahead of himself. I admire how eager he is to learn and develop during training. He pays close attention to the more experienced players and takes notes from their professionalism.”
“Coaches only select players who earn their spot, so he’s rightfully earned his chance. His hard work is evident, and he possesses a formidable physical presence on the pitch.”
“He’s a fantastic player,” he concluded.
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