Savinho sends clear warning to Man City's Premier League rivals amid Club World Cup form

Brazil star Savinho believes Manchester City have sent a message they are ready to be crowned world champions again.

In-form City smashed five past Juventus in their final group match and scored 13 across their three matches before reaching the knock-out stages.

It has put them in great spirits before they face Al-Hilal in Orlando in the last 16 stage on Monday and they can now see a clear path to a potential all-English showdown with Chelsea in the semi-final.

That would set up a Premier League clash 3,500 miles from home which has been billed as the America dream and would be a dream for FIFA and their Club World Cup.

It is a tantalising thought and you can sense that City are growing in belief as Savinho says their performances so far have got them believing they can go all the way.

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City won the Club World Cup in its old guise in December 2023 and now they want to conquer the new tournament starting with beating their Saudi Pro League opponents on Monday.

Savinho said: “It was a very important win for us, particularly against Juventus. I think it was to gain confidence and do our best. It was a very impactful result.

“I think it's good because we finished first in the group. That was our goal. We played a great game and we got the three points. We scored a lot of goals too.

“I'm happy to be here with Manchester City in the Club World Cup and it was a great win and I think we'll improve game by game. There are other great teams too, but we'll do what we do and improve even more in the next matches. But we'll focus on the title.”

City are clearly on a mission in the United States after finishing last season empty-handed. They have spent nearly £300million on eight new players in this calendar year and are refreshed and recharged in the United States.

Savinho added: “There's nothing better than when you've just had a bad season and you go home and rest. You reflect and get the energy to do your best again. That's it. Manchester City have hired top players. We're getting along and we trust each other.

“Manchester City will always be Manchester City. I think it's not just because we didn't do well last season that everything will end. We can't forget everything the club has been through in the good phases.”

City midfielder Matheus Nunes also claimed that Pep Guardiola ’s men have a new confidence and belief about them. He added: “We're still early in the season, but I think the energy is different.

"I think last year we were a little down in terms of spirit but we know what it means to play for Manchester City and this season that's definitely going to change. What I like most about this tournament is that we entered all the games to win and it has to be that way until the final.”

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