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Pep Guardiola saw his Man City side dumped out of the Club World Cup by Al-Hilal.(Image: Photo by Waleed Zein/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Manchester City were dumped out of the Club World Cup after a shock defeat to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal, just days after Pep Guardiola agreed with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

In the build-up to the encounter, the Catalan tactician admitted that his side could burn out by the turn of the year.

The Premier League challengers exit the competition at the round of 16 stage after their 4-3 disappointment in extra-time to Simone Inzaghi's side.



City took the lead through Bernardo Silva but were forced to come from behind twice to level but were downed by Marcos Leonardo.

City will depart the United States, having played three group stage matches and their knockout encounter, before their Premier League campaign begins away at Wolves on August 16.

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During their exit, key man Rodri was forced off with an injury with the Premier League campaign just over a month away.

Despite the disappointment, Guardiola said his side will 'rest their minds' before looking to usurp Liverpool from the Premier League summit.

“It is a pity.

I know where his idea comes from," Guardiola said.

"We fought a lot in England, and also when we went to the UEFA meetings, and especially when we discussed the Premier League calendar, and how to add more quality to it.

"We discussed giving the managers and players more rest, because that's how you add more quality.

Once we are here, let's do our best possible."

Klopp, who is now head of global football at Red Bull, expressed his fear for players over reaching breaking-point for their physical fitness.

The German was the champion for change during his time in the Premier League, fighting for a winter break when he arrived in England.

He said: "It's all about the game and not the surrounding events - and that's why the Club World Cup is the worst idea ever implemented in football in this regard.

"People who have never had or do not have anything to do with day-to-day business anymore are coming up with something.

"There is insane money for participating, but it's also not for every club.

"Last year it was the Copa [America] and the European Championship, this year it's the Club World Cup, and next year the World Cup.

If not next season, then it will happen at the World Cup or afterwards," Klopp added.

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"We constantly expect the players to go into every game as if it were their last.
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