Guardiola says Man City look like a ‘good team’ again after thrashing Juventus | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says his team are beginning to look like their old selves after beating Juventus 5-2 in the Club World Cup.

Jérémy Doku, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Savinho and a Pierre Kalulu own goal helped City ease past the Italian side and claim top spot in Group G.

After a difficult campaign in 2024/25, Guardiola’s side have won all three of their Club World Cup matches so far, and will face Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in the round of 16.

The Catalan hinted that their latest win might be the start of his side getting back to their best.

“I liked the way we did it,” Guardiola said. “It has been a long time since we had a performance like this on and off the ball. The players were committed and we are happy to beat a top side.

“This is just one game, but I think the players felt again what it was like to be a good team. The belief always comes from your performances, not your past.

“Today was more or less a final, we talked about that. It doesn’t matter what happened, the first target was to qualify, but we never know if it’s better to finish first or second.

“It’s how we play every game, friendly and official game, to win it. Today we did it, that’s what I’m pleased about.”

Guardiola also says having his squad almost back to full fitness has been a major reason behind his side’s upturn in performances and results.

“The players know it was the first time in a long time that we performed the way we performed,” he continued.

“Today we adjusted a few things and the performance was really good against an incredibly strong team that made an incredible impact in the first two games as well.

“I’m really pleased because the most important thing is the players have to realise what we have to do to back what we were the last decade.

“Last season we had an incredible squad and team but we were injured, 50 per cent of the players. We couldn’t compete and this season we’re going to try to maintain this rhythm as long as possible.”

Watch the Club World Cup on DAZN: www.dazn.com/Hayterstv