Wydad Coach Reveals “Secret Weapon” Ahead of Manchester City Clash

Wydad Casablanca coach Mohamed Amine Benhachem has unveiled the tactical and mental approach his team will rely on in their historic showdown with Manchester City in the opening round of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Speaking to the media, Benhachem said preparations went through three critical phases, now reaching the final stage before kickoff. “We began building the squad back in Morocco, then moved into tactical preparation, and now we’re in the decisive mental and physical phase,” he explained.

Key Strategy vs European Champions

Benhachem admitted that City’s threat requires more than technical skill to overcome:

“Our secret weapon will be fighting spirit,” he declared. “We’ve worked on mindset, discipline, and keeping a strong presence throughout the match.”

He added:

“We’ll approach the match with a competitive mindset. The plan is to create chances without compromising defensive balance. We know how dangerous City can be in open spaces.”

The coach also highlighted the vital role of fan support, saying it could inspire his players to deliver a strong performance on the global stage.

Fatigue Factor Shared by Both Teams

Benhachem acknowledged the physical toll of a long season but believes it's a challenge for both sides. “Some of our players are fatigued, but so are City’s. We’ve focused on physical conditioning while ensuring muscle freshness remains.”

Next Up: A Monumental Test

Wydad will face Manchester City on Wednesday, June 18, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with kickoff set for 17:00 local time in Morocco.