What now for Man City after Club World Cup exit?

Manchester City are heading home from the Club World Cup after a shock defeat by Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in the last 16 in the United States.

The squad are scheduled to fly back to Manchester on Tuesday night, bringing to an abrupt end a tournament which promised so much but instead delivered a stunning upset.

“We have been on an incredible journey together and were in a good place. The vibe was really good,” manager Pep Guardiola told BBC Sport.

“But we go home and now it is time to rest – rest our minds for the new season. “

The sunny climes of City’s Florida base appeared to refresh and rejuvenate a side that was so disappointing this season – but on Monday night their Club World Cup hopes fell apart.

The new signings all played a significant part in the tournament and it was evident that Dutchman Tijjani Reijnders will bring much-needed energy and enthusiasm to the midfield.

France international Rayan Cherki got off the mark in the group stages and provided a glorious assist for Phil Foden’s extra-time goal against Al-Hilal, but there are major concerns at the other end of the pitch.

While Algerian full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri’s attacking ability is undoubted, there are question marks over his defensive capabilities, having been caught out on occasion against the Saudi side.

Matheus Nunes is a midfielder playing at right-back and though City managed to paper over it during the group stages, the square peg in a round hole was glaringly obvious once up against decent opposition.

Sources had not ruled out the signing of a new right-back before the tournament and it remains to be seen whether the club make a move for one.

Guardiola also needs to address the lack of pace in the heart of the defence, with the two central defenders looking particularly sluggish when attempting to chase back the speedy Al-Hilal forwards.

The Spanish boss has made it clear he needs to trim his squad heading into the new season and there may be question marks over the future of England international John Stones, who was the only outfield player not to see any minutes on the trip.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether midfielder Rodri, who missed most of the season through injury, has suffered a setback.

The Club World Cup has been a lucrative outing for all those involved, that is despite City missing out on extra prize money with their last-16 exit.

City earned the most in the group stage because they were the only side to win all three matches, and will depart the US having banked approximately £37. 8m.

That includes almost £1. 5m per win and a participation fee, believed to be £27. 9m, which Fifa bases on “sporting and commercial criteria”.

If Guardiola’s team had reached the quarter-finals they would have earned an additional £9. 5m in prize money, with that total rising to an extra £53. 8m had they gone on to lift the trophy.

City paid £31m for Wolves left-back Ait-Nouri, who assisted a goal in their 5-2 win over Juventus, and £30. 5m for Lyon forward Cherki, who scored in the 6-0 win over Al Ain, so have already paid off one of those transfers.

If there’s any solace for Manchester City, it is that the squad now has a chance to recharge before the new season.

The 61 games played by City since August equals their most in a season since Guardiola became manager in 2016.

Chelsea had the luxury of fielding vastly different line-ups in the 2024-25 Conference League compared to domestically.

Manchester City, with a smaller squad, have four of the 15 outfield players currently with Premier League clubs to have played more than 100 games over the past two seasons.

They are new signing Tijjani Reijnders (107), Ilkay Gundogan (105), Phil Foden (102) and Bernardo Silva (101).

In addition, that quartet were regular starters for their country at Euro 2024 and, with the exception of former Germany midfielder Gundogan, continue to play international football.

Defeat by Al-Hilal brought to an end a season which began 325 days ago with the Community Shield against Manchester United on 10 August.

City lost 17 games in all competitions, which is at least five more than in any other season since Guardiola’s appointment and the club’s highest total since 2008-09.

While City scored 130 goals in 61 fixtures, the defensive lapses exposed in their Club World Cup exit have become increasingly common.

City players will head off on holiday for about four weeks before reporting back to the club for the start of pre-season.

Having spent three weeks in the USA, it remains to be seen what plans are put in place for friendly matches before the new campaign.

Will they keep it light by playing domestic opposition at City Football Academy? Could they head off to somewhere in Europe for a short trip?