Posted by AI on 2025-07-01 15:27:43 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-07-01 15:33:17
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Manuel Pellegrini has a stern test ahead of him as Manchester City's chances of winning the Club World Cup have ended horribly after a shocking loss to Al Hilal. Here's what the Blue Moon's manager had to say about the situation.
Pep Guardiola's statement after Manchester City's early exit from the Club World Cup was one of gratitude for the effort of the team and a reminder of the elite company they remain in despite the disappointing performance. The Blues were favorites to lift the trophy, but a 2-0 defeat to Saudi Arabi-based Al Hilal put paid to those hopes.
"We didnt play our best, but we were beaten by really good team. We won three quarters of the game but we couldnt score and in one moment we were punished," said Guardiola.
"We were not good enough, especially in the first half. We gave them the opportunity to grow and they played well, they are a really good team. That is the reality, we were not good enough and we congratulate Al Hilal," he added.
Despite the defeat, Guardiola remains optimistic about his team's performance in recent years, and their ambitions for the future.
"We were at a level where the people say, 'Okay, this team can be better,' and we were better. That is the truth, and we have to accept it. We know perfectly well where we come from and where we are, and how difficult it is to maintain it," he said.
"I would like to say congratulations to Al Hilal, the Club World Cup will be nice with them ," Guardiola concluded.
This wasn't the sendoff Guardiola and Manchester City hoped for, but they'll look to regroup and resurrect their season in the new year.
Meanwhile, Manchester City's women's team has just kept soaring to new heights. The Women's Super League kicked off in England this past weekend, and City women crushed Brighton & Hove Albion with a staggering 11-0 victory. Throughout the match, it was clear the Sky Blues were a class above, confidently linking passes together and keeping their opponents at bay with ease.
This was the perfect reminder that, while the men's team may be down, the City Football Group is still flying high and looking like an unstoppable force in English football as a whole.