Private beach & 'homely' hotel - inside Man City's Club World Cup camp

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City stands alone as the only team boasting a flawless winning streak, but the real challenge commences now in the knockout stages as they prepare to compete against Al-Hilal from the Saudi Pro League in Orlando on Tuesday.

Coach Pep Guardiola and his squad faced a disappointing 2024-25 season, failing to secure any major silverware. However, the Premier League team now seems to exude more positivity and, ominously for their competitors, poses a greater threat than they did last year.

As the squad nears the crucial phase of the tournament, Sport explores the dynamics within City’s camp in Florida.

A 'Homey Atmosphere' at Manchester City's Site

City made their arrival in the U.S. on June 12, choosing to settle down at the opulent Boca Raton Resort on Florida’s southeast coast instead of moving from one location to another while carrying their luggage.

This tournament presents substantial financial rewards, and a night’s stay at the resort, featuring a private beachfront, is priced at $715 (£521).

According to Boca Raton's website, the resort is characterized as a space where "endless possibilities inspire the extraordinary.” This description is quite fitting for a City team that enjoyed an unprecedented run by winning four consecutive Premier League titles and securing a Treble three years back, only to struggle last season due to a significant number of injuries.

Revitalized and re-energized, the reigning champions seem poised to reclaim their global dominance.

Three consecutive victories against Wydad AC of Morocco, UAE’s Al-Ain, and Italy’s Juventus – netting a total of 13 goals – have brought joy back to the players and staff of City.

The team has swiftly traveled to and from their matches in Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Orlando, returning to the comforting environment of the resort, where their families have also been welcomed.

Insiders report that this arrangement has fostered a “homey feeling,” with players enjoying meals together on the terrace that overlooks the ocean.

New captain Bernardo Silva mentioned that the club selected a “fantastic hotel” where the team has had a “wonderful time together.”

Guardiola Grants Players Freedom

The 27 players in the traveling group have been given the opportunity to unwind, and even the disciplined Guardiola has joined them for some beach football.

In their leisure time, the team has participated in various sports, including basketball and table tennis, though Silva humorously noted that the 30C heat has left star forward Erling Haaland “looking like a lobster.”

“The conclusion of the season was highly taxing emotionally,” Guardiola shared with BBC Sport. “It was not ideal for consistency or results.

“I determined that we would focus on effective training but allow the players to relax for the remainder of the day. If they wish to play golf, enjoy the pool, take a day off, or spend time with their families, they should. Otherwise, it would become mentally taxing.

“It is refreshing during training sessions, as they won’t be expending energy before the matches, which could prove very demanding.”

Some players joined their national squads without any rest days. It's about keeping fit and unwinding. With eleven months lying ahead, I have allowed them the freedom to choose how to spend their time.

Prior to the tournament, the team’s players and coaching staff underwent significant changes with the addition of four new recruits, who have integrated effortlessly into the organization.

Rayan Ait-Nouri has already demonstrated his capabilities in the left-back position, Rayan Cherki has netted his initial goal for the team, and the vigor that Tijjani Reijnders injects into the midfield is apparent. Pep Lijnders, who was previously Jurgen Klopp's assistant, is also getting accustomed to his new role under Guardiola.

Defender Nathan Ake noted that the newcomers have provided everyone with a "boost" and infused "a lot of energy," while midfielder Ilkay Gundogan mentioned that they have introduced a lot of "humor" and "playfulness."

Forward Cherki has reportedly displayed similar excitement by performing a French rap song during his initiation.

The message is clear: "Win or go home."

For defending champions City, securing the top position in the group was essential, as it helped them avoid facing Champions League victors Paris St-Germain, La Liga powerhouses Real Madrid, and Bundesliga titleholders Bayern Munich.

City's smooth advancement has them listed as second favorites to claim the trophy in New York by analysts at Opta, with PSG sitting at the top.

Should both teams progress, it would set up a confrontation between former Barcelona teammates Guardiola and Luis Enrique.

With the Club World Cup occurring shortly after the final Premier League match in May, it's unclear whether this is a continuation of the previous season or the beginning of the new one.

Reaching the final on July 13 would result in a shortened pre-season with minimal recovery time before their first league match against Wolves on August 16.

However, Guardiola insists the Club World Cup represents a fresh start, while goalkeeper Stefan Ortega emphasized that they are not here "for a vacation."

"The goal for City in any tournament is to win it. That is the expectation of the club," stated Ferran Soriano, the club's CEO.

Large billboards promoting the event along Route 4 near Camping World Stadium loudly proclaim in vibrant yellow letters: "Win or go home!"

For City, this message couldn't be clearer.