I seem to recall we we're one of the first clubs to support the new format just after UEFA came for us. There's no way we'll treat it as glorified friendlies.Time will tell. But I’m pretty certain that the owners won’t want it treated like a pre season tour. And I’m even more certain that the manager of the first team isn’t going to go against the owner’s instructions.
…And call at Cape Canaveral to see the space centre! Win the group means staying in Orlando for the last 16 game.Thanks for the link.
So tempted to do the Juve game.
As it’s in Orlando I can sell it to the mrs with a trip to Disney world.
I’d expect that the European clubs involved will have had some subtle confidential reminders from FIFA that they’re being nicely compensated to appear in this tournament and it would be appreciated that they take it seriously.I think Pep will treat this as the pre-season tour.
Players that won't be with us next year will preliminary be told that they will be on the tour and may get minutes, but won't be prioritised.
I think it will be used to get Rodri up to speed for the new season, new tactical approaches, Echeverri's trial to see if he's capable or if a loan is more likely, and for Pep to establish a confirmed central defensive partnership for next year, of which I think will be Dias and Khuzanov.
I wouldn't be surprised if Ederson doesn't play at all.
This season has changed everything though.
I agree, I still think we will go out to win, but ultimately, Pep and the club know that with no pre-season this year and how inconsistent and poor we have been throughout this current campaign, this competition will have to be used in someway as a springboard for change going into next season.
Otherwise, Pep will be using the opening 5-10 games of next season almost as the tactical and physical drawing board which just isn't ideal.
I went to Saudi which was great - but the new format at the end of a long season is a joke. All clubs should boycott it until FIFA see sense are revert to an immediate knock out game rather than leagues and shit loads of crap teams from around the globe.
I genuinely believe fans have got this arse over tit, the club will probably want this more than the PL for the publicity and prestige.
European super league (Hell it's already here) and the main event the World Club Championships) being the 2 major trophies of the near future.
I don't really understand the hand wringing. It's just going to replace the bollocks pre season tours to USA/Asia. Of course we want to win it but we won't be playing half fit or exhausted players in it. It's gonna be a swansong for our veterans and a chance to blood some of our new signings and young prospects while making a load of money. It will be miles better than a Summer with an international tournament.
Might even get some good old fashioned local friendlies before the new season for a change.
Anyone got any advice for where to stay in Orlando?
I’m staying in an air bnb in downtown Orlando,no not renting a car way too expensive,I’ll be using public transportWhat’s your budget ? will you have a rental car ?
The parochial UK media will slag this off because none of the red shirt teams have qualified. But most of the best teams in the world are competing for the biggest ever prize money. It is being played in the USA where City are already the most-watched team and is being backed by the US government. There will be huge crowds and a huge media circus and, over time, it will grow into a huge trophy. Perhaps second only to the CL. It would be fantastic for City if we could win the first one.Massive amounts of money involved
Fifa to give $1bn as Europe nears Club World Cup deal - https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgl0zrxl8z9o
I’m staying in an air bnb in downtown Orlando,no not renting a car way too expensive,I’ll be using public transport
Budget is sort of flexible as depends what rest of trip comes out as but looking at 4 nights ideally around the 500 mark (2 adults)What’s your budget ? will you have a rental car ?
Budget is sort of flexible as depends what rest of trip comes out as but looking at 4 nights ideally around the 500 mark (2 adults)
Would get a rental if worth it based on where staying but similarly if good enough options without needing it then would do that
That's a shame, wasn't Rocky based in the Kensington part of Philly?It's easy to find the more unsavory parts of any major city while scrolling YouTube. When I was a kid, Kensington was the football (soccer) capital of the East Coast. In fact on one small block there was 12 football/social clubhouses, Kensington back in the day, was a solid working class neighborhood full of wonderful people who cared for and looked after one and other. As you can see, those days are gone.
Anyone coming to Philadelphia for the City match will not/shouldn't be anywhere near Kensington, unless you care to be involved in nefarious activities.