Phil Foden believes it’s the togetherness in Manchester City’s squad that gives them the “edge” over their opponents.
Pep Guardiola’s side are in Saudi Arabia, where they are preparing for a FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+ with kick-off at 18:00 UK time.
The game will see the Citizens attempt to extend their 20-game unbeaten run in non-domestic competitions, a streak that dates back 15 months.
And England international Foden has revealed that “good team bonding” plays a crucial role in their success.
“I think you could see actually from the training [in Istanbul back in June for the UEFA Champions League final] that everyone was just laughing and joking,” he told the club’s official magazine.
“That’s just the confidence that we have now – not in an arrogant way – I think we just all believe in each other so much.
“We’re a good team off the field as well, with good team bonding. I think that’s important.
“So when we go onto the field, we know we’re going to work for each other and fight for each other so it’s so important to have this and I think that’s what often gives us gives us that edge over other teams.”
They have been boosted by Kevin De Bruyne making the trip to Saudi Arabia, as he closes in on a return to action after picking up a hamstring injury on the opening day of the season against Burnley.
European clubs have won the last ten editions of the tournament, including Liverpool’s success in 2019, two years before Chelsea beat Palmeiras to be named the globe’s best team.
Guardiola’s side can do something none of their counterparts can claim to have achieved, though.
Having won the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup last season, as well as the UEFA Super Cup at the start of the current campaign, they have their sights set on a fifth major honour.
And that’s what makes this week so important for Foden.
“The Club World Cup is something new for the Club,” he continued. “It’s a new experience.
“It’s one that we want to win and be the first to hold all five trophies at once because we already have the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Premier League, and FA Cup.
“It’s all about just making history, so it’s another thing to add on to the list, if we achieve it.
“So yeah, I’m looking forward to it. To win that many trophies in one year would be a massive achievement.
“It’s so difficult to do – even the European Super Cup – we won on pens. That was such a challenging game.”
How to watch the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup
All seven matches of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup are live on TNT Sports, with ad-free coverage available on discovery+.
Watch Urawa Red Diamonds v Manchester City on TNT Sports 2 from 17:45 UK time, with kick-off at 18:00.
Goals from Jhon Arias and John Kennedy sent the Brazilian side through to the final, which takes on place on Friday evening at 18:00.
TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media
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