Guardiola noted that Man City players were too slow to react but insisted they created and wasted enough chances to win the match.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola, has disclosed that Rodri suffered a fresh injury during his team’s Club World Cup 4-3 humiliation by Saudi Arabian club, Al-Hilal.
The Premier League club took the lead as early as the 9th minute through Bernardo Silva but they were pegged back in the 48th minute by Marcos Leonardo.
Al-Hilal then went in front in the 52nd minute after Malcom scored a deserved goal.
Guardiola’s men levelled the score three minutes later through Erling Haaland, but Koulibaly made it 3-2 for the Saudi outfit in added time.
Man City once again levelled the score through Phil Foden but it was Al-Hilal who had the last laugh after Leonardo scored his brace to end the game 4-3.
Rodri came on as a substitute in the 53rd minute but was replaced in extra time.
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With the victory, Al-Hilal pulled off the biggest upset in the competition and the biggest result in their history.
Speaking after the encounter, Guardiola admitted Rodri was forced off due to an injury.
He added that the Spaniard – who missed almost all of last season with a cruciate knee ligament injury – complained and had to be substituted.
He, however, did not reveal the nature or extent of the injury.
He said: “We have to see Rodri, he complained about his situation, but we need time to come back.”
Guardiola also said his team were too slow to react but insisted they created and wasted enough chances to win the match.
“It was a difficult game. We allowed them to make transitions we created a lot. It is a pity, we have been on incredible journey together and so good place.” he added.
