Pep Guardiola, Manchester City head coach, has hailed his side following the Cityzens’ 5-2 triumph over Juventus on Thursday in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, saying, his boys were “committed”.
The Spaniard said, “a long time ago [since] we made a performance like today.”
Guardiola also hailed Rodri, current Ballon D’Or holder, for his performance after clinching his first start since last year; describing the defensive midfielder as “one of the best players in the world”.
English Premier League side, Manchester City, will now lock horns with Simone Inzaghi’s Saudi Professional League club, Al Hilal, in the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on Tuesday 1 July, 2025 at 02:00 (WAT).
Guardiola’s post-Juventus comments
Following the Cityzens’ beautiful triumph over the Bianconeri, the Spanish manager said:
“A long time ago [since] we made a performance like today. With and without the ball, the players were committed.
“We talked about what we have to improve to be who we were in the past. We’re happy to finish first against a top side and we are waiting on our opponent.
“Sooner or later Rodri had to start. I said, ‘OK, 45 minutes’ but at half-time he said he wanted five to 10 minutes more. The game was under control.
“In the last few games we have conceded a lot of transitions but it didn’t happen this time. Everyone knows how important Rodri is. He is one of the best players in the world.”
Portugese midfielder, Bernardo Silva, in his reaction following Manchester City’s win over Juve, said, “It was our best performance at this tournament.”
The Portugal international told DAZN, he is not sure if the win was a “statement win”, however, he is pleased with the three (3) points, and that City made it to the top of the Group, and scaled through.
Bernardo Silva’s post-Juventus comments
“We’re very happy with what we did against a top team. It was our best performance at this tournament.
“It’s just another win, an important one that means we qualify first.
“I don’t know if it’s a statement win, it’s just three points. We’re happy to be here and qualify for the last 16.
“We’re here to win so we’re one step closer to that goal. It’s now kill or be killed. We have to be ready.”
HC: It’s been a while since Manchester City comfortably defeated a big team!!
