Manchester City was dumped from the Club World Cup because they have lost 4-3 to Al-Hilal in extra time, with Pep Guardiola's side now handed extra downtime before the Premier League season starts
Pep Guardiola has suggested further expenditure in Manchester City after they had been dumped from the club's world's cup by Al-Hilal. Despite the dominance of the first 45 minutes with many clear opportunities, the side of Guardiola was amazed by two fast goals in the second half and eventually lost 4-3 in extra time.
This shock -worship marks an early departure of what had become a promising tournament for City. Guardiola greeted their 5-2 victory over Juventus as their best performance in a long time.
Although it seemed as if this form would take place in the round of 16, Simone Inzaghi threw his 2023 Champions League Final Loss with Inter while ling his Saudi team to a stunning victory.
Now Guardiola has admitted that the 27-man team with whom he chose to travel was still too large and should be reduced before the new season starts, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Speaking of the team's exit from the competition, Guardiola told Dazn: “It's really good, but [I’m] Disappointed for many players we would have liked to play, but it was not possible.
“We have a big team and we will see what is happening. Now it is difficult, but we will come back in the following days, rest and start the Premier League.”
City now has six weeks before they visit Wolves to start their Premier League campaign and offer extra rest than expected. Their pre-season schedule depends on their progression in the US.
Although the chance of extra rest will be welcomed after their summer has been shortened by the club World Cup, they must also be active in the transfer market.
Four new signs were already on board prior to the Summer Tournament, but Guardiola still sees much more work in the squad list – including the significant cutting.
Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealisk belonged to the players who did not travel to the United States while looking for other opportunities.
It seems that the city boss is now left behind even more players while he is starting a new path to restore Premier League Glory to the Etihad Stadium.