Manchester City Spanish manager, Pep Guardiola, has said, his side lost in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match against Al Hilal because they allowed the Saudi side “create transitions”.
Manchester City were shockingly sent packing from the tournament after falling to Simone Inzaghi’s Al Hilal by three (3) goals to four (4) at Camping World Stadium in Downtown Orlando, Florida on Tuesday 1 July, 2025.
Despite being the dominant side in the showdown, Manchester City were unable to progress to the quarter finals of the tournament.
The Spaniard hailed the Cityzens, saying, “we were good”, and, “we made a lot of actions”, however, he commended Al Hilal goalkeeper, Bono, for making several crucial saves to help the Saudi club scale through.
Guardiola said, “Bounou made incredible saves”, and revealed, his side will head back “home”, take some “rest” and prepare for the 2025/26 season.
According to the club’s official X account, in his post-defeat comments, Guardiola said: “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.
“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.”
Manchester City had headed into the game against Al Hilal with perfect record from the Group stage.
Al Hilal will face Fluminense, Brazilian side, in the quarter finals of the tournament.
HC: Simone Inzaghi is a good coach period!! He had few days to prep Al Hilal for the FIFA Club World Cup!!!
