Manchester City kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca, a match that saw the highly anticipated competitive debuts of summer signings Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders. Manager Pep Guardiola opted for an experimental lineup in the opening Group G fixture, providing valuable minutes to his new recruits.
Cherki and Reijnders Slot Straight In
Both French attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, acquired from Lyon, and Dutch central midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, joining from AC Milan, were immediately thrown into the starting XI for the Wednesday evening clash at Lincoln Financial Field. Their inclusion showcased Guardiola’s intent to integrate the new talent quickly and assess their fit within the squad.
Reijnders, 26, played the full 90 minutes in what were described as “sapping conditions,” drawing praise from Guardiola for his overall performance. The midfielder is seen as a key addition to help fill the void left by Kevin De Bruyne’s departure. Cherki, 21, featured for an hour before being substituted, with Guardiola acknowledging his “incredible skills close to the box” and “incredible vision,” despite a somewhat subdued debut where he reportedly lost possession more than any other player.
Foden and Doku Seal the Win
Despite the focus on the new faces, it was familiar attacking talents Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku who secured the goals for the reigning European champions. Foden opened the scoring early in the first half, demonstrating his sharpness, and then assisted Doku for City’s second goal just before the break, ensuring a solid start to their Club World Cup journey.
Experimental Lineup and Squad Depth
Guardiola’s selection for the opener highlighted a desire to rotate and evaluate his expanded squad. Alongside the debuts of Cherki and Reijnders, young Brazilian defender Vitor Reis made only his third start since joining in January, and Nathan Ake made his first appearance for the club in several months after an injury-plagued season. Notably, key figures like Erling Haaland, Rodri, Josko Gvardiol, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Dias all started on the bench, suggesting a deliberate effort to manage player workload and provide opportunities across the team.
Looking Ahead in the Club World Cup
Manchester City will continue their Group G fixtures in the coming days, with matches against UAE side Al Ain and Italian giants Juventus on the horizon. Guardiola has already hinted at further rotations for the next game against Al Ain in Atlanta, emphasizing the importance of giving minutes to all players in the squad as they aim to navigate the newly expanded Club World Cup format. The debuts of Cherki and Reijnders mark the beginning of a new chapter for Manchester City as they look to build on their past successes with fresh talent.
