Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola appeared in a press conference following the 4-3 loss to Al Hilal in the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup early Tuesday morning.

The coach said: "We allowed them to create counter-attacks, but we created many opportunities, and Bono saved many balls. Overall, we were really good; they deserved to win."

He added: "It's unfortunate. We were in a very good position, and I can only thank the staff for their training and preparation; they gave their best effort."

He emphasized: "I feel the team is performing well, but we will return home, and now it's time to rest and refresh our minds and come back next season."

He continued: "I saw many good things that I hadn't seen in the past, especially in our relationship with the players and coaching staff. I felt that we were happy here in the United States, and the training was very good, but the levels here are very high."

He added: "Savic is an excellent player, fantastic and physically strong, skilled in aerial balls, and passes excellently; it was hard to stop him. He was Al Hilal's solution in every ball; I wasn't surprised by Al Hilal; they are very strong."

He concluded: "We are now going back home, unfortunately, but I wish good luck to all the remaining clubs."