Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about the state of his squad after their shock Club World Cup defeat.
Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola hinted at more Manchester City departures after the Blues were sent packing at the Club World Cup. Having missed a number of clear chances in a first half they dominated, they were stunned by two goals in quick succession by Al Hilal and while they battled back twice they eventually lost 4-3 in extra time.
It brings a shock and premature end to what had been a positive tournament for City, with their 5-2 thrashing of Juventus in their last match described by the manager as the best they had played in a long time. They appeared to carry on that form into the last-16 match, only to crumble as Simone Inzaghi got revenge for the 2023 Champions League final and inspired the Saudi Pro League side to a famous win.
City now have six weeks before they start their Premier League campaign with a trip to Wolves and find themselves with more free time on their hands than they would like.
The opportunity for extra rest will be gladly taken given their summer was cut short for the tournament, but the club will also have to be busy in the transfer market.
The majority of new players are already through the door with four having signed before the Club World Cup yet there is significant work to do on outgoings.
Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish were among the players not to travel to the United States as they look for other moves and Guardiola has spoken about the 27-man squad he took being too big.
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As he reflected on City's exit from the competition, his verdict of the squad has not changed.
"It's really good, but [I'm] disappointed for many players that we would have loved to have let them play but it was not possible," he told DAZN.
"We have a big squad and we'll see what happens. Now it is tough but we come back in the next days, rest, and start the Premier League."
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