Pep Guardiola arises with the referee in the match between Manchester City and Al-Hilal.
Photo: EFE – MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ
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Pep Guardiola, coach of Manchester City, did not hide his disappointment after the unexpected elimination of his team in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup, after falling 4-3 against Al Hilal in the extension.
In a vibrant match played at the World Stadium Camping in Orlando, the Arab team surprised with a double of Marcos Leonardo – including the decisive goal in the 112nd minute -, and so many of Malcom and Kalidou Koulibaly who gave him a historical victory against one of the great favorites to the title.
“It's a shame because we made an incredible trip together (…) We were happy here,” Guardiola said at the close of the match. The technician especially valued the performance of the team in a difficult context, after a season without titles: “I saw many good things that I did not see in the past. The team is doing well, the atmosphere was very good (…) Now we are going home and we will rest for the next season.”
Despite the defeat, the Spanish coach considered that his led were up to it: “Being honest, I think we made a good game today. It was a complicated party, we allowed them to have offensive transitions, but they created a lot. In these instances the parties are always difficult.”
He acknowledged, however, that the defensive errors cost them expensive: “They punished us in the transitions. We were too open and their transitions were very fast, you have to recognize it.”
Guardiola also regretted the wasted opportunities in front of the arch: “We created so many occasions that he had the feeling that we could move forward (…) But Bono made incredible stops. There is nothing to say.”
In that sense, he also explained the change of his scorer Erling Haaland, author of one of the City of City: “I was very tired and asked me for change.”
On his rival, Guardiola was clear: “I was not surprised by Al Hilal, they have very fast players, but I think they have defended themselves well, very close, and they have been able to run more than us.”
The technician closed with words of thanks and resignation: “It's a pity, because we were in good position, but I can't thank the players and coaching staff. They gave everything.”
And he concluded: “I had the feeling that the team is fine, but now we return home. It's time to rest, and then we will think about the new season.”
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