Pep Guardiola issues 'extraordinary' Man City apology over Club World Cup issue

Pep Guardiola says he is not worried about any Club World Cup delays - because not even he can control the weather.

Manchester City boss Guardiola’s men will face Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium and the forecast is for rain and potential storms. That comes just two days after Chelsea ’s last 16 tie with Benfica which was delayed by nearly two hours in Charlotte because of thunderstorms.

It saw Chelsea players have to keep warm and ride exercise bikes in the dressing room before the game resumed and US rules state that games have to be delayed by at least 30 minutes each time any lightning is spotted. Orlando is a particular weather hot spot in the United States and it is not being used in next summer’s international World Cup but is potentially staging City’s next two matches against Al-Hilal and then the quarter final if they get through.

But despite watching the drama unfold with Chelsea’s game, Guardiola was philosophical and said: “I said many times, I am an extraordinary manager but to control lightning and thunder, still I am not good enough. I am sorry.

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“I would like it done as soon as possible. But if it is not possible here it is the same reason as why they suspend the other one, I will go inside and we will continue to be active and play again. It is not the ideal situation but I grew up to understand not to be worried about the situations that i can’t control. So no problem.”

Guardiola will face a reunion with ex-City full back Joao Cancelo against Al-Hilal who are also managed by ex-Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi. Al-Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari is injured.

Guardiola added: “All the players I have had an incredible memory. I have incredible respect for Joao and everyone and we had to make a decision and it is not easy. He has incredible heart and he was upset he did not play. He loves to play football and I said training was over he said ‘one more, one more’. He had an experience at Barcelona and now Al Hilal. I am happy he is back from his injury. He won the best full-back in Europe and Premier League he is exceptional.

“Play right, left and both legs and I am happy to see him tomorrow. We won many things with him, many things and that remains all the time. After the situation happened, we took the decision. Simone is used to playing five at the back, they played four v Pachuca. So tight and if you leave them time they will run behind. They have quality and they attack the channels.

“The captain is injured and maybe cannot play. He is their top goalscorer, mobility and fast and it will depend on us and how we are. It is our mood, still being here we can do a good game to reach the quarter-finals.”

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