Former Celtic goalkeeper Shay Given has tipped Manchester City as the likely winners of this year's FIFA Club World Cup, citing Pep Guardiola's competitive nature and desire to make history with the club.
Given, who also played for Manchester City during his career, believes Guardiola will be particularly motivated to secure victory against all opponents in the tournament, including Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.
"I think Guardiola will see this as an opportunity to make a bit of history as a club – the first one, get that gold badge on their chest for the next four years. They will be world champions, and that's a big statement," Given told talkSPORT.
Guardiola's Competitive Edge
The former goalkeeper emphasized Guardiola's relentless pursuit of trophies, noting that the Spanish manager "always wants to win any competition he gets involved with."
"He'll be hurting on the back of not winning anything," Given explained, highlighting Guardiola's disappointment following Manchester City's FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.
According to Given, with recent additions to the squad, Guardiola is ready to resume his trophy-winning ways, starting with the FIFA Club World Cup which begins in a few days.
"I'm sure that he wants to get his hands on this trophy," the former Aston Villa keeper concluded.
The FIFA Club World Cup represents not only a significant financial prize but also substantial bragging rights for the winning team, factors that Given believes will further motivate Manchester City in their campaign.
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