Guardiola: Man City must rest after Club World Cup exit

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola bemoaned some poor finishing and injury to a key player as his side crashed out of the FIFA Club World Cup against Al Hilal on Monday night in Florida.

Erling Haaland (Top C) of Manchester City heads the ball during the round of 16 match between Manchester City of England and Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida, the United States, June 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)

City dominated the first half, but missed chances after the break, and the defensive lapses that had been so costly last season in the Premier and Champions League resurfaced as their Saudi rivals played sharp attacking football to punish them on the break, with Leonardo netting an injury time winner in a thrilling 4-3 win.

Guardiola also saw Spain international Rodri Hernandez limp out of the game with a muscle injury in his fifth appearance after returning from a knee operation.

"Rodri had complained about his situation," said Guardiola about the midfielder, before showing his disappointment over the defeat.

"We would have loved to have continued, it is only here every four years. We had a feeling that the team is doing well but now we go home and it is time to rest and rest our minds for the new season," he said.

The Manchester City coach was clearly frustrated at the defeat when his side should have put the game to bed.

"We have to score and be clinical," he commented. "They (Al Hilal) did not create much in the first half, we did but could not finish it. I had a feeling we could go through. We allow them to make transitions but we created a lot."

"It is a pity, we have been on an incredible journey together in a good place. The vibe was really good: I cannot thank Manchester City enough and especially the players for training and how they have been playing," he said, adding that he had seen "many good things" from his team during the tournament.