Pep Guardiola applauds Rodri return as Manchester City dismantle Juventus - 'Which team wants to lose the best player in the world?'

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Manchester City beat Juventus 5-2 to finish top of Group G, becoming the only side to win all of their group games at the Club World Cup. Ballon d'Or winner Rodri made his first start for Pep Guardiola's side since September and played 66 minutes in the huge win as City aim to recapture the fire that eluded them throughout a dismal 2024/25 season, when they finished trophyless.

Guardiola 'pleased' with Man City thrashing 'incredible' Juventus

Video credit: SNTV

Pep Guardiola called Rodri "the best player in the world" as the Spaniard started his first game for Manchester City since returning from injury.

City thrashed Juventus 5-2 in their final group game at the Club World Cup, securing a finish at the top of Group G and a place in the last 16.

The City and Spain midfielder racked up 66 minutes of play on his first start since September, and his return just happened to coincide with one of City's best performances in months.

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"We missed him a lot right?" Guardiola said. "I had a feeling last season we had an incredible team but we had a lot of problems.

"Injuries, injuries, and injuries. After that we missed a lot. Which team wants to lose the best player in the world?

"His composure, he knows exactly what he has to do with the ball. I didn't expect for him to play as many minutes. We'll be ready for the next one."

City will face Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in the last 16 in a 02:00 (UK time) kick-off on Tuesday.

"It's a long, long time ago we made a performance like we've done today," he continued. "With or without the ball. The players were committed. We talked about what we had to improve to be who we were in the past.

"It's just one game. But I think today more than anything else, the players felt again what we have to do to be a good team. No more secrets, no words, no images. They played, they knew it.

"The belief will always come back from your performance, not the past. We know every day what we have to do."

The third of City's five goals against Juve in Orlando came courtesy of Erling Haaland, who netted his 300th career goal in just 370 games.

It is a mark he has reached quicker than Cristiano Ronaldo (554 games), Lionel Messi (418 games) and Kylian Mbappe (409 games).

He came off the bench at the outset of the second half to replace Omar Marmoush, and Guardiola reiterated the need for competition within his squad ahead of next season.

"Yeah absolutely fine," Guardiola said about Haaland and Phil Foden's appearance as substitutes.

"Rayan Cherki as well played really good. They have to compete. Everybody knows they have competition for themselves to play.

"If they don't play good, another one is going to play. If they don't do what they have to for the club, they're not going to play."

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