Pep Guardiola, manager of English club Manchester City, said he plans to meet with his former players, Riyad Mahrez and Emirc Laporte, while in Saudi Arabia, to ask about their experience in the Roshan League.
In last summer’s transfer market, Mahrez and Laporte left the ranks of Manchester City, joining the Saudi clubs Ahli of Jeddah and al-Nassr.
Guardiola, who is preparing to lead the City team against Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, spoke in the semi-finals of the 2023 Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia to the media ahead of kick-off.
“Maybe we’re lucky to see Riyad Mahrez or Emerick Laporte tomorrow, listen to their experience,” the Spanish coach said.
He added: “Saudi Arabia has made a huge investment and convinced players to come to this league, I know from my past how many fans are here in Saudi Arabia, I will talk to the players and see what their experience is.”
Regarding his team’s participation in the club world, Pep Guardiola said: “It is a pleasure to be here, it is an honour, and this is Manchester City’s first time, we take this as a privilege, it is an honour to be here.”
“We know how hard it is to win this competition, and you have to do something special in the past until you get here, it’s hard to win here and the players know it, that’s why we want to play well tomorrow.”
