The Etihad faithful are buzzing with renewed optimism as Manchester City delivered a performance for the ages, thrashing Juventus 4-0 in their Club World Cup opener on June 26, 2025. The commanding display, lauded by manager Pep Guardiola as a return to the club’s peak form, has sparked fervent discussion about whether City are truly back after a challenging 2024-25 Premier League season. “It’s a long, long time since we played like that,” Guardiola declared post-match, his eyes gleaming with pride as he reflected on a masterclass that showcased City’s trademark intensity and precision. With a revitalized squad, bolstered by new signings and a reinvigorated Kevin De Bruyne, the Sky Blues are sending a clear message: they’re ready to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of world football.
City’s 2024-25 campaign had been a rollercoaster, with defensive frailties and a dip in form seeing them finish fourth in the Premier League, their lowest placing under Guardiola. The departure of key players like Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid and the looming exit of De Bruyne, whose contract expires at season’s end, cast shadows over the squad. Yet, their Club World Cup opener against Juventus—a rematch of their 2023 Champions League triumph—revealed a team reborn. Erling Haaland, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, led the charge with a brace, while Phil Foden and new signing Rayan Ait-Nouri dazzled in attack. “We were incredible, fantastic. To play at that level against a team like Juventus, it’s a big step,” Guardiola said, emphasizing the team’s rediscovered hunger.
The match highlighted City’s tactical evolution. Social media posts from fans noted a marked improvement in their pressing game, an area that faltered last season. Ait-Nouri, the £33 million signing from Wolves, proved a revelation at left-back, adding dynamism to a backline that included Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol. “The way we pressed, the way we moved, it’s what made us special before,” Guardiola noted, crediting his staff for refining the team’s defensive structure during pre-tournament preparations in Saudi Arabia. The clean sheet against Juventus, a side boasting Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa, underscored City’s newfound solidity, a stark contrast to their 18 goals conceded in the Premier League by December 2024.
De Bruyne, at 34, was the orchestrator-in-chief, dictating play with his pinpoint passing and nearly scoring from a audacious 30-yard lob. Despite speculation about a move to Liverpool or Napoli, his performance was a reminder of his enduring class. “He’s still got it,” a teammate reportedly said, echoing sentiments that De Bruyne’s final act at City could be a trophy-laden farewell. The squad’s depth was further bolstered by academy products like James McAtee, who is attracting interest from Crystal Palace and Leicester, and the emergence of 17-year-old defender Juma Bah, who made the bench against Juventus.
City’s resurgence comes at a pivotal moment. The expanded 32-team Club World Cup, hosted in Saudi Arabia, offers a global stage to reassert their dominance after losing the Premier League crown to Liverpool. Their group stage includes upcoming clashes against Al-Hilal and Inter Miami, with the latter featuring Lionel Messi, who could face his former mentor Guardiola in a highly anticipated matchup. “We want to be the best in the world again,” Haaland said, his 29 goals in 26 matches this season a testament to his relentless drive. The tournament’s £50 million prize for the winner adds extra incentive, especially as City navigate financial pressures amid 115 alleged breaches of Premier League rules, a case still unresolved.
The Juventus rout has reignited belief among fans, with posts on X praising City’s “immense” pressing and “revitalized” energy. Yet, some caution that a single performance doesn’t erase last season’s inconsistencies. City’s next test comes against Al-Hilal on June 30, 2025, a match that will further gauge their title credentials. With Rodri anchoring the midfield and new faces like Tijjani Reijnders, a reported £45 million target from AC Milan, in the pipeline, City’s squad looks poised for a new era. As Guardiola put it, “When we play like this, I feel we can beat anyone.” For a club that has won eight of the last ten Premier League titles, this Club World Cup campaign could mark the dawn of another golden chapter.
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