Thierry Henry may have predicted Manchester City's shock Club World Cup exit over a year before it actually happened.
The Citizens were dumped out of the competition after suffering an embarrassing 4-3 defeat in extra-time against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium.
Ballon d'Or winner Rodri was substituted in Man City's shock defeat despite coming on off the bench
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Ballon d'Or winner Rodri was substituted in Man City's shock defeat despite coming on off the benchCredit: Getty
It proved a difficult evening for Pep Guardiola's side, who squandered a series of chances after Bernardo Silva's ninth-minute opener, before Marcos Leonardo and Malcom turned the game around.
Erling Haaland sent the game to extra time but City needed another equaliser from Phil Foden after Kalidou Koulibaly headed the Saudi outfit back in front.
But City failed to seize the momentum, and their opponents secured a major upset when Leonardo grabbed the winner on 112 minutes.
Despite being favourites to advance in the round of 16 tie, the English giants' shortcomings were exploited by new Al Hilal boss Simone Inzaghi, who took charge in June after his departure from Inter Milan.
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They were repeatedly caught on the break by the Italian's team, who were set up perfectly to counter-attack with a 5-4-1 formation.
While this approach may have shocked Guardiola and his players, there is one man who would not have been surprised by the display.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry previously heaped praise on Inzaghi's tactical approach, hailing the system which took his Inter side to this season's Champions League final following a stunning 7-6 semi-final aggregate win over Barcelona.
On Sky Sports' Monday Night Football in March 2024, when asked to name a coach he admired, Henry replied: “Inzaghi.
"I’ve been following him for a very long time, since his Lazio days.
"He was at one point known as a guy who if you meet him in a cup game, you’re in trouble."
Al Hilal earned the greatest win in Saudi football history against the Citizens - and progress to the quarter-final
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Al Hilal earned the greatest win in Saudi football history against the Citizens - and progress to the quarter-finalCredit: Getty
This left Simone Inzaghi delighted, who recorded the biggest result of his Al Hilal tenure so far
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This left Simone Inzaghi delighted, who recorded the biggest result of his Al Hilal tenure so farCredit: Getty
Pep Guardiola was left fuming as his side were undone by Inzaghi's tactics
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Pep Guardiola was left fuming as his side were undone by Inzaghi's tacticsCredit: Getty
While Guardiola successfully overcame Inzaghi's tactics with a 1-0 victory over Inter in the 2023 Champions League final, Henry pointed out that his City had initially found it difficult to compete with.
The Frenchman continued: “As we saw with Manchester City struggling against his Inter in that Champions League final with their 3-5-2.
"What I like is with Inzaghi is that he plays with two centre forwards.”
While Inzaghi deviated from his preferred 3-5-2 formation against the Citizens on Monday, Henry had highlighted his ability to counteract their possession-based approach.
Explaining his system, he said: “Let’s put it this way. If you are Arsenal or Man City, you have the ball so much, sometimes they play as a 3-7.
"If you’re not in possession as much, transition will happen, especially if you play against a team with wingers high and wide, it becomes really tough.
Thierry Henry is a long-time admirer of Inzaghi's style of play
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Thierry Henry is a long-time admirer of Inzaghi's style of playCredit: Credit: @SkySportsPL
Pointing to his style at Inter, he added: “I like the way his 5-3-2 looks - if we take Inter Milan and you have Barella, Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan, you have guys who can be three 6s.
“But when you have the ball, they're good enough to play."
Having secured their spot in the Club World Cup quarter-finals, Inzaghi's Al Hilal will now battle Brazilian club Fluminense for a place in the final four, while Man City will turn their attention to their preparations for the upcoming Premier League season.
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