Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised Wydad Athletic Club's attackers ahead of their opening FIFA Club World Cup game.
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The 2023/24 English Premier League champions face the Red Castle in the first game of Group G of the FIFA Club World Cup. The two sides will also face Italian side Juventus and Qatar's Al Ain.
Speaking ahead of their first game on Wednesday, 18 June, Guardiola admitted that football has grown globally and spoke highly of the talent of North African sides, according to Yallakora.
"Football has evolved all over the world, and I'll give you an example of Riyad Mahrez from Algeria, what a player he is," the former Barcelona boss said.
He continued: "North African teams have amazing skills. The Moroccan national team had a fantastic tournament at the last World Cup, and I have great respect for them."
Speaking on his opponents before the game, the ex-Bayern boss said he had watched Wydad games in preparation for the clash and acknowledged the team's physical and attacking threat.
"We watched Wydad when we had the chance, and we saw how physically strong they are, and how dangerous they are in attacks behind the defenders, but we have a game plan, and we are here to perform well in the Club World Cup," the Spaniard added.
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He concluded: "The quality of African players has always been there, not only in terms of physical strength, but also the skills they possess, and I have great respect for them. Look at how many African players, whether from the north or the south of the continent, play in Europe for the biggest clubs. There are a lot, and this means that they are truly special."
Photo: X/@CR_74_
