By John Ogunsemore
Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City’s Club World Cup exit would afford the team ample time to rest.
The Spanish tactician stated this after City’s shock 4-3 loss to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in the CWC round-of-16 encounter.
City opened the scoring within the first 10 minutes through Captain Bernardo Silva.
However, Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo header home the equaliser in the first minute of second half.
Former Barcelona player, Malcom put Al Hilal ahead in the 52nd minute but Erling Haaland responded three minutes later to draw City level.
Kalidou Koulibaly put the Saudi side ahead again four minutes into extra time but substitute Phil Foden fired a volley to restore parity.
Leonardo rose to the occasion with another strike eight minutes from time to clinch a hard-fought victory for Simone Inzaghi’s side.
Speaking to City’s website after the game, Guardiola said, “At this stage, 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 cannot say thank you enough to the staff for how they train and prepare; they have given everything.
“We made many actions, and Bounou made incredible saves. I have the feeling that the team is doing well, but we go home now time to rest and refresh our minds and come back next season.”
The club’s players and coaching staff will now take a vacation before returning ahead of the 2025/2026 season in August.