Guardiola Warns of Heat Challenge as Man City Prepares for Juventus Clash

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Photo Courtesy

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has warned that his side will need to “embrace the suffering” as they prepare for a scorching showdown with Juventus in their final Group G fixture of the Club World Cup.

With both sides already assured of a spot in the last 16 after collecting six points from their opening two games, the upcoming match at Camping World Stadium in Florida is all about finishing top of the group. But while the stakes remain high, it’s the weather not the opponents that Guardiola is keeping a close eye on.

With temperatures expected to hit 33°C (91°F) at the 3pm kickoff time, the City manager admitted that the brutal heat will shape his team selection and tactics.

“I’ll be picking the line-up with the second half in mind,” Guardiola told journalists ahead of the clash. “In these kinds of conditions, it’s impossible to play at our usual rhythm. We have to prepare to suffer.”

He added that all teams in the tournament are facing similar challenges, but called on fans and players alike to take precautions. “Everyone needs to come prepared bring water, hats, towels. It’s going to be tough.”

City will be without young defender Rico Lewis, who is suspended, and Argentine starlet Claudio Echeverri, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury that is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the tournament.

Guardiola has made good use of squad rotation throughout the group stage and hinted that fresh legs will again be key to coping with the heat.

Off the pitch, the City boss also addressed a light-hearted moment that captured fans’ attention online. A viral video of him playing beach football with some of his players near their Boca Raton base. Smiling, he downplayed the clip, suggesting it was simply a way for the squad to unwind amid the intense conditions.

Thursday’s clash promises high temperatures and high stakes, as City looks to outlast Juventus and the Florida sun.

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