JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Pep Guardiola has instructed his Manchester Metropolis gamers they are going to get a “as soon as in a lifetime” alternative to win the Membership World Cup on Friday.
Metropolis reached the ultimate with a dominant 3-0 win over Urawa Pink Diamonds of their semifinal on Tuesday.
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They face South American champions Fluminense in Friday’s showpiece.
Metropolis are heavy favourites to win their fifth trophy in 2023 however Guardiola has warned his squad towards taking it as a right.
“We’ll go for dinner collectively, create an surroundings that everybody is aware of how essential the sport is for the membership,” mentioned Guardiola.
“As I mentioned, to play this closing you must do unbelievable issues, to win the Champions League. As soon as we’re right here, it is a trophy you play for as soon as in a lifetime.
“Being right here is unbelievable for us, we do not take it as a right, we all know we will not be again once more.”
In the meantime, Metropolis have knowledgeable FIFA that Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne will play no half in Friday’s closing.
Each gamers have travelled to Saudi Arabia and on Monday De Bruyne was in a position to prepare with the squad for the primary time after lacking three months with a hamstring harm.
Haaland hasn’t performed for the reason that 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Dec. 5 and is but to return to coaching. After going through Fluminense, Metropolis are subsequent in motion within the Premier League towards Everton at Goodison Park on Dec. 27.
“Kevin began coaching yesterday and tomorrow [Wednesday] he trains with us,” mentioned Guardiola.
“It is three months [out] however he’s getting higher. Erling nonetheless can not prepare. Now we relaxation and attempt to do efficiency towards Fluminense.”