Pep Guardiola anticipates similar weather-related challenges at the upcoming World Cup.
Manchester City must brace themselves to “suffer” from the intense heat in Orlando during Thursday’s pivotal Club World Cup fixture against Juventus, according to manager Pep Guardiola.
The temperature at Camping World Stadium reached 31C during Wednesday’s news conference at 17:00 local time (22:00 BST). Forecasts predict a rise to 33C for the game, which commences at 15:00 in the United States (20:00 BST).
City’s commanding 6-0 victory over UAE side Al Ain was contested within the enclosed Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where air conditioning was utilized.
“The heat is a given, and we cannot alter it,” Guardiola stated. “It is preferable to play at the Atlanta stadium, which is exceptional.”
“All teams must adapt. The next World Cup will present similar conditions. We must be prepared to endure.”
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Manchester City have already secured qualification for the knockout stages of the Club World Cup, with one match remaining.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca stated on Monday that organizing standard training sessions has been “impossible” amidst a “code red” severe heat warning in Philadelphia.
A heat wave sweeping across eastern North America has resulted in hospitalizations due to heat-related illnesses, with weather warnings encompassing an area affecting 160 million individuals.
Other managers at the Club World Cup have also voiced concerns about the heat, while the campaign group Fossil Free Football has cautioned about the risks posed to players competing in such conditions.
Governing body Fifa has affirmed that “the health of everyone involved in football” is its “top priority,” with its medical experts maintaining regular contact with participating clubs.
Additional cooling breaks have been implemented during matches.
Both City and Juventus have already progressed to the last-16 stage of the competition, each securing two victories. However, the Serie A side currently leads the group due to a superior goal difference.
Their final standings in Group G will be crucial for the knockout stages, as one of the teams will face La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid in the next round.
Following the opening victory against Wydad AC, Guardiola fielded an entirely different starting XI in the subsequent match against Al Ain, and he indicates further changes are forthcoming.
City will be without midfielder Claudio Echeverri, who is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks due to an ankle injury sustained in the previous game. Defender Rico Lewis is also suspended.
The Spaniard commented: “We will introduce new players, both in this game and in the second half of the next game. The selection is made with that in mind.”
“In these conditions, we are not prepared to play for 90 minutes, and we will make substitutions at half-time.”
Concerns have been raised regarding the significant number of empty seats in stadiums during the group stages of the Fifa tournament.
This match is scheduled to be held at the open-air, 60,000-capacity venue, which offers minimal cover for spectators in the stands.
“Two prominent clubs will be competing, and we hope the stadium will be well-attended,” Guardiola remarked. “For the last 16, quarter-finals, semi-final, and final, we hope to see full stadiums.”
“However, filling 70,000 or 80,000 seats is challenging. We hope to deliver a good game that encourages people to attend.”
“Bring water, hats, and towels to place on your necks – it will be a demanding experience.”
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