Pep Guardiola hailed two of his new signings as Manchester Metropolis cruised to a 6-0 win over Al-Ain on the Membership World Cup.
Metropolis had been a lot too sturdy for his or her opponents from the United Arab Emirates with two objectives from Ilkay Gundogan paving the best way for a victory that sees the Premier League facet qualify for the spherical of 16.
Claudio Echeverri, Erling Haaland, Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki had been additionally on the right track on a satisfying night time for Guardiola in Atlanta.
🎥 THE ECHEVERRI GOLAZOOOOO — FROM ALL ANGLES!
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Each Sport | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MCIAIN pic.twitter.com/3v4w658Dif
— DAZN Soccer (@DAZNFootball) June 23, 2025
Guardiola highlights Echeverri’s work ethic
The Catalan reserved particular reward for Echeverri, who curled in an exquisite free-kick, and Rayan Ait-Nouri, whose presence down the left flank gave Metropolis an added dimension.
“Since he arrived and [in] the three or 4 months with us, on the finish of coaching classes he was practising free-kicks with the goalkeeper, wall and alone,” Guardiola mentioned of Argentine Echeverri, who signed for Metropolis in January 2024 however remained at River Plate on mortgage for one more yr.
“The opposite ones didn’t practise. He was practising and practising and the work pays off.
“Improbable purpose and unimaginable participant. He couldn’t proceed after half-time due to an issue with the ankle, however the free-kick was actually good.”
Wow – Guardiola in awe of Ait-Nouri
Ait-Nouri joined Metropolis from Wolves for £31million previous to the event and has been earmarked to fill the problematic left-back spot on the Etihad.
Guardiola utilised centre-half Josko Gvardiol and younger midfielder Nico O’Reilly in that place for a lot of final season however now has a specialist within the squad.
Requested to evaluate the Algerian’s full debut, Guardiola mentioned: “Wow. He needed to defend a again 4, then make a again 5. He performed actually, actually good, not for the primary time.
“It was his first sport however he has performed within the Premier League for a few years.
“He can assist us play in that position outdoors however then needed to play as a holding midfielder and go into the pockets. He strikes rather well into the areas.
“He’s clever and clear to defend and take the ball. He’s so intelligent within the last third, taking the best selections to create extra areas. Actually happy for the sport he performed.”
Gundogan luggage a brace 😤#FIFACWC | LIVE on https://t.co/qHE6dSCO2t pic.twitter.com/2kh02VGBt7
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) June 23, 2025
Outdated-timer Gundogan bolsters his case for Metropolis keep
Guardiola has already outlined his intention to function with a smaller squad this season with Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker not chosen to journey to the States.
And having bolstered his midfield with Tijjani Reijnders and Nico González – in addition to having Rodri coming back from an ACL damage – there was discuss Gundogan could possibly be departing this summer time.
The German has been linked with Galatasaray however is raring to remain.
He mentioned: “I’ve a one-year contract and I’m very completely satisfied right here. I believe everybody is aware of that.
“And I’m dedicated to the competitors, and I’m having fun with my soccer. I nonetheless consider that I’ve a number of years in me [of being able] to play on the best stage by taking excellent care of myself. I believe I’ve confirmed that.
“Final season I didn’t miss a sport, so I’m obtainable. I’m match. I really feel actually good and I need to play on the best stage for for much longer.”
Metropolis face Juventus on Thursday in a match that can decide which facet wins Group G and doubtlessly avoids Actual Madrid within the final 16.
Gundogan added: “We want an excellent efficiency in opposition to Juve to win the sport. We all the time knew that and it’s not going to alter the best way we strategy it.”