Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola commended his team’s overall performance despite their dramatic 4-3 loss to Saudi club Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup.
He described the match as a challenging encounter, highlighting missed chances and strong goalkeeping as key factors in the outcome.
“In these stages, 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 can’t not say thank you to the staff, how they train and prepare — they have given everything,” Guardiola said.
Manchester City were eliminated from the tournament on Monday night in one of the most surprising upsets in recent Club World Cup history. After a 2-2 draw at the end of regular time, the European champions fell short in extra time as Marcos Leonardo netted the winning goal, securing a historic victory for Al Hilal.
Reflecting on his side’s performance, Guardiola said, “We made a lot of actions and Bounou made incredible saves. Nothing else to say. I have the feeling that the team is doing well, but we go home and now it’s time to rest and refresh our mind and come back next season.”
City took an early lead in the ninth minute when Bernardo Silva converted a cross from Rayan Ait-Nouri. Although Al Hilal players appealed for a handball in the build-up, the goal stood.
The Premier League champions dominated much of the game and had multiple opportunities to increase their advantage. However, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was in outstanding form, making crucial saves to deny Jeremy Doku and Silva.
Al Hilal made the most of City’s missed chances, staging a determined comeback that was sealed with a dramatic extra-time winner, earning them a quarter-final clash against Brazil’s Fluminense.
In a message posted after the match, Manchester City expressed gratitude to fans, saying, “Thank you all for your amazing support in the US and at home during the #FIFACWC. We’ll see you in August for the @premierleague.”
