Bald man with a beard and a white t-jersey walks with his head down on the grass of a stadium while other people appear blurred in the background.
Pep Guardiola, leaving the field after City's elimination from the Club World Cup | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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Same old story with Guardiola, the excuse after being knocked out of the World Cup: 'it's a f...'

The coach, who has been critical of the tournament, now seems to regret having been eliminated in the early stages against Al-Hilal

by

Carlos Higueras Carrasco

Manchester City confirmed its major failure of the season early this morning, after being eliminated in the round of 16 by Al-Hilal (3-4) at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, but for Pep Guardiola, there's no defeat that makes him seriously reflect on the steps of a team that spent almost €140 million (almost €140 million) on signings before the tournament…

The Catalan, who renewed his contract a few months ago to continue at the Etihad, surprised at the end of the match when, in a press conference, he stated that not everything was bad news. In true Simeone style, Guardiola was unable to self-criticize and limited himself to thanking his players, coaching staff, and fans.

A player in a white uniform is sitting on the grass with a disappointed expression while two players in blue uniforms celebrate hugging behind him in a stadium full of spectators.
Manchester City is out of the Club World Cup after losing to Al-Hilal | Real Madrid Confidencial

"At this stage, every match is difficult. We allowed them to create transitions, but we created many chances and, overall, we did well. It's a shame. We were in such a good moment and I can't stop thanking the people, how they train and prepare; they've given everything," said the coach of the "citizens".

"I saw many good things I hadn't seen before, especially where we were before, the relationship between the players and the coaching staff. I felt we were happy here and the sessions were very good, but the level of a World Cup is extremely high," emphasized a Guardiola who, before and during the competition, was very critical of FIFA for this very World Cup.

In the future…

Guardiola concluded his appearance before the media after having several problems with the refereeing and time-wasting, although he didn't want to get involved in that matter. "I have the feeling that the team is fine, but we're going home and now it's time to rest, refresh our minds, and come back next season…" the former footballer concluded.

Soccer coach giving instructions on the sideline during a match with players and coaching staff in the background
Pep Guardiola, giving instructions to his players during the match against Al-Hilal | Real Madrid Confidencial

This postponement of criticism only highlights the farce of a Guardiola who, in almost a decade in Manchester, and despite having an unlimited checkbook, has barely won one Champions League. Something for which, just like Bayern Munich, the English didn't sign him. The World Cup was another clear objective, but why talk about it in depth…

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