Manchester City experienced a shocking defeat on Monday to Saudi club Al Hilal, which ousted the English side from the ongoing Club World Cup, Softfootball reports. The performance of the English side has since sent doubt waves to football fans who are doubting the firepower of the former Champions League winners.
But City’s boss, Pep Guardiola, has admitted it is “too early to say” whether Manchester City will return to competing for the biggest trophies next season, following what was a disappointing exit from the Club World Cup.
The Premier League side was hoping to use the tournament for rejuvenation after a trophyless 2024/25 campaign, but fell short in Orlando, losing 4-3 after extra time to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal in a thrilling last-16 tie.
But according to the Independent UK, Guardiola, who felt pained over their early exit, said it doesn’t define the team’s success in the future.
Although City had impressed in the group stage, particularly with a dominant 5-2 win over Juventus that suggested a resurgence was on the cards. However, a familiar defensive gaffe resurfaced at the Camping World Stadium, ultimately costing them a place in the quarter-finals.
“I don’t know,” Guardiola said when asked if he believed his squad were ready to challenge again. “It’s too early to say, but I saw many good things, especially compared to where we were. The relationship between the players and the captains and the backroom staff was strong. The training sessions were excellent. But the level in these competitions is very high.”
Earlier, Softfootball reported that the Club World Cup elimination shocked Manchester City’s Guardiola, giving him cause for concern despite their preparation. The English side blew an early lead to suffer a gnashing extra-time loss to Al Hilal.
But just as Guardiola has addressed, City will return to Manchester to regroup and prepare for what looks set to be another demanding campaign, despite the uncertainty that still looms over the squad’s final shape before the transfer window closes.
