Jack Grealish reacts with fire to Jeremy Doku’s passionate Man City message
Jeremy Doku was at the heart of Manchester City’s victory over Wydad Casablanca in their FIFA Club World Cup opener.
Pep Guardiola‘s side got their campaign off to a winning start in FIFA’s revamped tournament, and scored twice in the first half to breeze past the Moroccan side and lead their Club World Cup group.
Juventus‘ 5-0 thrashing of Al Ain saw them climb above Man City to the top of Group G, but the Blues are still well placed to reach the last 16 thanks to Phil Foden’s early goal and Doku’s first-half clincher.
Rico Lewis’ late red card does leave a blemish on the victory for City with no other natural right-backs in their travelling squad, but there’s still plenty of strength out wide with Doku the most clear example.
Man City stars react to Doku after his message to ‘build’
Foden‘s second-minute strike set the tone for a dominant first half from City at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, as he started alongside debutant Tijjani Reijnders in the middle of an attack-minded side.
Doku and Savinho started on the flanks of a front six which saw Foden occupy central midfield behind both Rayan Cherki and Omar Marmoush, with the Belgian doubling City’s advantage in the 42nd minute.
After the match, Doku posted on Instagram (19 June) with a message to City’s fanbase and promised to capitalise on their first victory, saying: “Good start, let’s build – Grateful to God.”
Jack Grealish may have been left at home by Guardiola as his City career looks set to come to an end, but both he and Savinho liked Doku’s post with the Brazilian also leaving a ‘fire’ emoji in the comments.
Man City exits to continue away from Club World Cup success
Man City’s entry into the Club World Cup come after a near-unique season which saw Guardiola’s side miss out on silverware, and the tournament gives the Blues a chance a redeem that with a new trophy.
However, attention back at the Etihad Stadium will also be on the makeup of Guardiola’s squad, with Grealish’s omission from the Club World Cup being the biggest sign yet that he has no future at City.
Kyle Walker is another seasoned England international out of favour, and as Everton’s new owners circle both the defender and Grealish, it remains to be seen what Guardiola will be left to work with after the Club World Cup.