Pep Guardiola plans to ease the stress of a month-long Club World Cup this summer by taking to the fairways in the States. And the Manchester City manager - famous for his round-the-clock obsession with football - has revealed that his squad for the $1billion FIFA tournament will be allowed to let their hair down and relax during the summer competition in America. Guardiola has regularly complained that the demands on his players have grown too strenuous but at the end of a gruelling domestic and European season, he will have to take them across the Atlantic for a 32-team competition that starts in mid-June and ends in mid-July. The City boss has seen his bid to win a fifth consecutive Premier League title undermined by a serious injury to Rodri and a string of other physical problems. Along with fellow English representatives Chelsea, City have failed to have their start to the 2025/26 Premier League season delayed and will be back in domestic action on August 16. And with City committed to taking the strongest-possible squad to the Club World Cup, that means Guardiola will give his players down-time in the States. He explained: “I am not thinking about bringing the players there to spend hours in their room thinking about the next game. They are going to train but I will let them free. Of course they have to behave well or they will be in trouble but you have to have fun and play the games as best as possible for this new experience.” And Guardiola hopes his fun will be spent sinking putts. He smiled: “They told me the golf courses are really nice in America. If my back allows it, I’ll play absolutely. I draw the ball really well. I have a problem with putting but I’ll practice.” City will fly out to the States a week ahead of their first game in Philadelphia on June 18 when they play Moroccan side Wydad AC. They will then travel to face Al Ain FC, from the United Arab Emirates, in Atlanta before rounding off their group stage with a clash with Juventus in Orlando on June 26. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the knockout stages with City - should they make it through - playing their last-16 tie in either Orlando or Miami, where Guardiola will not be short of golfing options.The final will be played in the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13. Guardiola is a keen golfer and enjoyed a round with Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood on the day he won his first Premier League title when West Brom won at Manchester United. And Pep rates the European team’s Miracle at Medinah in 2012 as one of his best sporting memories, having been invited as a special guest by team captain Jose-Maria Olazabal. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.