Pep Guardiola hailed two of his new signings as Manchester City cruised to a 6-0 win over Al-Ain at the Club World Cup.
City were much too strong for their opponents from the United Arab Emirates with two goals from Ilkay Gundogan paving the way for a victory that sees the Premier League side qualify for the round of 16.
Claudio Echeverri, Erling Haaland, Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki were also on target on a satisfying night for Guardiola in Atlanta.
🎥 THE ECHEVERRI GOLAZOOOOO — FROM ALL ANGLES!
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— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 23, 2025
Guardiola highlights Echeverri’s work ethic
The Catalan reserved special praise for Echeverri, who curled in a wonderful free-kick, and Rayan Ait-Nouri, whose presence down the left flank gave City an added dimension.
“Since he arrived and [in] the three or four months with us, at the end of training sessions he was practising free-kicks with the goalkeeper, wall and alone,” Guardiola said of Argentine Echeverri, who signed for City in January 2024 but remained at River Plate on loan for another year.
“The other ones did not practise. He was practising and practising and the work pays off.
“Fantastic goal and incredible player. He could not continue after half-time because of a problem with the ankle, but the free-kick was really good.”
Wow – Guardiola in awe of Ait-Nouri
Ait-Nouri joined City from Wolves for £31million prior to the tournament and has been earmarked to fill the problematic left-back spot at the Etihad.
Guardiola utilised centre-half Josko Gvardiol and young midfielder Nico O’Reilly in that position for much of last season but now has a specialist in the squad.
Asked to assess the Algerian’s full debut, Guardiola said: “Wow. He had to defend a back four, then make a back five. He played really, really good, not for the first time.
“It was his first game but he has played in the Premier League for many years.
“He can help us play in that role outside but then had to play as a holding midfielder and go into the pockets. He moves really well into the spaces.
“He is intelligent and clear to defend and take the ball. He is so clever in the final third, taking the right decisions to create more spaces. Really pleased for the game he played.”
Gundogan bags a brace 😤#FIFACWC | LIVE on https://t.co/qHE6dSCO2t pic.twitter.com/2kh02VGBt7
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 23, 2025
Old-timer Gundogan bolsters his case for City stay
Guardiola has already outlined his intention to operate with a smaller squad this season with Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker not selected to travel to the States.
And having bolstered his midfield with Tijjani Reijnders and Nico González – as well as having Rodri returning from an ACL injury – there has been talk Gundogan could be departing this summer.
The German has been linked with Galatasaray but is eager to stay.
He said: “I have a one-year contract and I’m very happy here. I think everyone knows that.
“And I am committed to the competition, and I’m enjoying my football. I still believe that I have several years in me [of being able] to play on the highest level by taking good care of myself. I think I’ve proven that.
“Last season I didn’t miss a game, so I’m available. I’m fit. I feel really good and I want to play on the highest level for much longer.”
City face Juventus on Thursday in a match that will determine which side wins Group G and potentially avoids Real Madrid in the last 16.
Gundogan added: “We need a good performance against Juve to win the game. We always knew that and it’s not going to change the way we approach it.”
