BOCA RATON, Florida -- After winning the FIFA Club World Cup in December 2023, Pep Guardiola walked into the media theatre at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Saudi Arabia and insisted he had "closed a chapter." Everything was done, he said, and the last remaining piece of silverware was safely tucked away in Manchester CIty's trophy cabinet.
It's been 18 months since Guardiola's emotional speech in Jeddah. But having arrived in Florida on Thursday evening ahead of the latest version of the Club World Cup, he delivered another.
The players had dinner -- chicken, lamb and fish were all on the menu -- and a stretch outside at the team hotel before the City boss gathered everyone together.