'Time To...': Pep Guardiola Thanks Staff After Man City's Elimination From Club World Cup

Last Updated:July 01, 2025, 13:57 IST

In a huge upset, Al Hilal defeated Manchester City to knock the title favourites out from the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup.

Manchester City were on the end of a shock loss. (AP Photo)

After being eliminated from the Club World Cup with a 3-4 loss to Al Hilal, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola commended the dedication displayed by his players and staff throughout the tournament. He announced that the team will take some time to rest and rejuvenate before coming back stronger next season.

Al Hilal triumphed over Manchester City with a 4-3 victory, advancing to the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals. Marcos Leonardo’s double, including an extra-time winner, sealed their win.

Guardiola’s team had an impressive start, with Bernardo Silva scoring from a loose ball to give City an early lead. Al Hilal turned the game around with two goals in the first seven minutes of the second half. Erling Haaland’s equaliser forced the match into extra time, but the Saudi side clinched the win with two goals, despite Phil Foden’s 100th goal for City.

“At this stage, they are all difficult games. We allowed them to create transitions, but we created a lot, and in general, we were good. It’s a pity. We were in such a good place, and I cannot say thank you enough to the staff for how they train and prepare; they have given everything.

“We made many actions, and Bounou made incredible saves. I have the feeling that the team is doing well, but we go home now time to rest and refresh our minds and come back next season," Guardiola was quoted by the club’s official website.

The club’s players and coaches will now take a break before returning to the City Football Academy in preparation for the 2025/26 domestic season. Looking forward to the future, Guardiola noted some positive aspects from the four matches in this new-look tournament.

“I saw many good things that I didn’t see in the past, especially how we were, the relations between the players and the staff. I felt we were happy here and the sessions were really good but the levels here are so high. The chances we had, they defended so deep, and Bounou made a lot of saves, but you have to score and be so clinical," he said.

With IANS Inputs

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