Manchester City novices Echeverri and Ait-nouri get praise from Guardiola after beating Al-ain 6-0

Pep Guardiola praised his two new signings when Manchester City beat Al-ain 6-0 at the club World Cup.

Manchester City is too strong for opponents from the United Arab Emirates, with two goals from Ilkay Gundogan paving the way for victory, which qualifying Premier League teams for 16 rounds.

Claudio Echeverri, Erling Haaland, Oscar Bobb and Rayan Cherki were also targeted for a satisfying night in Guardiola in Atlanta.

🎥echeverri golazooooooo – from all angles!

Watch @fifacwc | June 14th to July 13th | Every game|Free| | #fifacwc #takeittotheworld #mciain pic.twitter.com/3v4w658dif

– Daznfootball (@daznfootball) June 23, 2025

Guardiola emphasizes Echeverri’s work ethics

The Catalan retained a special praise for Echeverri, who curls with excellent free kicks and Rayan Ait-nouri, whose presence on the left provides an additional dimension to the city.

“Since he arrived [in] At the end of the training session, he practiced free kicks with our three or four months with goalkeepers, Wall and alone.

“The others didn’t practice. He was practicing and practicing and his work paid off.

“Excellent goals and incredible players. He couldn’t continue after halftime due to an ankle problem, but the free kick was really good.”

Wow – Guardiola is in awe

Ait-Nouri joined Manchester City from Wolves for £31m ahead of the game and has been designated to fill Etihad’s problematic left-back location.

Guardiola used midfielder Josko Gvardiol and young midfielder Nico O’Reilly for most of last season in this position, but now has an expert on the team.

Guardiola was asked to evaluate the Algerians’ full debut and said: “Wow. He has to defend a quarter and then win five more games. His game is very, very good, not the first time.

“It was his first game, but he has been in the Premier League for many years.

“He could help us play this role outside but then had to be a midfielder and go into the pocket. He walked further into the space.

“He was smart and clear in defense and catch the ball. He was so smart in the last third, making the right decisions to create more space. Very happy with the game he played.”

Gundogan bag brace😤#fifacwc |Living pic.twitter.com/2KH02VGBT7

– Manchester City (@Mancity) June 23, 2025

Old fashioned gundogan bolsters his city accommodation case

Guardiola outlines his intention to work with a smaller team this season, with Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker not being drafted to head for the United States.

After strengthening his midfield with Tijjani Reijnders and Nico González – and Rodri’s return due to an ACL injury – Gundogan may leave this summer.

The Germans have connections with Galatasaray but are eager to stay.

He said: “I have a one-year contract and I’m so happy here. I think everyone knows it.”

“And I’m committed to playing, I love my football. I still believe I’ve been there for several years now. [of being able] Play at the highest level by taking good care of yourself. I think I’ve proved that.

“I didn’t miss a single game last season, so I fit it. I feel really good and I want to play at the highest level for a longer time.”

On Thursday, the city’s game against Juventus will determine which side of the Group G wins and will likely avoid Real Madrid in the last 16 games.

“We need to perform well with Juve to win the game. We always know that, and that won’t change the way we get close.”