Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has commended his team’s overall performance despite their stunning 4-3 defeat to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in the FIFA Club World Cup. Guardiola described the match as a tough contest marked by missed opportunities and fine goalkeeping. “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.
The European champions took an early lead when Bernardo Silva finished off a Rayan Ait-Nouri cross in the ninth minute. However, Al Hilal players protested that Ait-Nouri had handled the ball in the build-up, but the goal was allowed to stand.
Despite dominating large spells of the match and creating several chances to extend their lead, City were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Moroccan international Yassine Bounou produced a string of remarkable saves to deny efforts from Jeremy Doku and Silva, keeping his side in the match.
Reflecting on his side’s performance, Guardiola praised the team’s efforts, saying, “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.” Al Hilal capitalised on City’s missed chances and mounted a comeback that culminated in the dramatic extra-time winner, booking their place in the quarter-finals against Brazil’s Fluminense.
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.” Guardiola also acknowledged the team’s performance, stating, “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”.
Guardiola has turned his attention to the new season, saying, “We go home and now it is time to rest and rest our minds for the new season.” The team’s players and coaches will now take a break before returning to the City Football Academy ahead of the 2025/26 domestic season.