The former Tunisian international believes the European champions will win the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, but stressed it won’t be easy against the best sides from across the globe.
City face Urawa Red Diamonds in our semi-final this evening for the right to play Fluminense or Al Ahly in Friday’s final.
An expert’s view of Urawa Red Diamonds
In his interview with us, Trabelsi said: “There is huge pressure on the team to win the first title, as it was in Champions league before the team won it lately.”
“City’s victory in Champions League will open the way for them to win it many times in the coming years. If they still have the same coaches and the club’s strategists, they will win the titles, both at the national and continental levels.
“There is a notable improve in many teams in the recent period, but Man City are still the best in my opinion because of their technical and administrative stability.”
The player who won the 2004 African Cup of Nations spoke about his move to City in 2006 from the Dutch club Ajax, where he indicated that there was interest from a number of English clubs to have him during the same period.
Speaking about this, Trabelsi said: “My first move to England began in 2004 when Arsenal wanted to sign me, but the agreement between the finances of Arsenal and Ajax postponed the transfer to the Premier League.”
“After two years Liverpool and the manager Rafael Benitez wanted me, and they agreed on contract for four years, but I wasn’t able to pass the medical examination so the deal was cancelled.”
“Manchester City heard that my move to Liverpool cancelled due to a problem in the medical examination, and they wanted to sign me, so the agreement was done with the club management and I signed to City in 2006.”
The right-back revealed to Citizens that his wonderful goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford will remain in his memory, saying that he understood the rivalry between the clubs.
Trabelsi said: “It was one of the goals that I’ll always remember, the difference between the two clubs was to United at that time.”
“Today, the favourites between the two clubs is to Manchester City, So my goal at that stadium was one of my important goals in my career.”
The former Tunisia national team star believes that Pep Guardiola adds many things to Manchester City since his arrival in 2016, as he has given an obvious style of play to the team.
Trabelsi said: “The team was already achieving victories during the periods of both Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, but Guardiola makes the team play very well.”
“Guardiola plays incredible football with City. The possession of the ball, control and diversity of play didn’t exist before his arrival to the team.
“Certainly, Pep Guardiola is the best coach in the world. Coaches are always trying to imitate his style of play.”
“Perhaps there has been a difficult time in the team’s results recently due to mistakes, but I still bet that the team will be the champions of England and Europe at the end of the season.”
Every match at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup is available to watch in the UK on TNT Sports and FIFA+.
For fans outside of the UK, click here to find out how you can watch the matches in Saudi Arabia.
The official Man City app will also have free live radio commentary as part of our usual Matchday Live show that includes studio guests previewing and analysing the action.
