Wydad Athletic Club midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki says they are motivated ahead of their opener against Manchester City in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The Moroccan side will clash with the Premier League heavyweights later today in their Group G opener at Lincoln Financial Field Stadium at 18:00.
Heading into the match, the Red Castle are widely regarded as underdogs, facing the reigning Club World Cup champions who boast a star-studded team, including striker Erling Haaland.
Despite their challenges in the recently Moroccan topflight, the 29-year-old remains confident that Wydad can make a surprise and become the second African side to secure three points in the tournament after Mamelodi Sundowns, who defeated Ulsan HD.
“I’m very excited to participate with Wydad in the Club World Cup, especially since it’s my first time competing in this competition,” Aziz Ki said to RFI media, per AR.telquel.
“I feel I have a lot of challenge and determination within me to play well and contribute to my team achieving a positive result.
“We’ll be playing against the best teams in the world: Manchester City, Juventus, and Al Ain. This motivates us to face such big teams and play competitive and enjoyable matches against them.
“Wydad is also a great team, as evidenced by its presence in this World Cup. We will do our best for the sake of Wydad’s large fan base,” he added.
“I’ve followed coach Pep Guardiola for a long time, and I admire his coaching philosophy, both at Barcelona and City. Today I’ll be playing against him, as well as facing great players like Haaland, and that alone will make me and my Wydad teammates even more motivated to face Manchester City, despite their strength.”
