Inzaghi hails 'exceptional' players

Al Hilal's Italian coach Simone Inzaghi hailed his "extraordinary" team after Monday's stunning 4-3, extra-time win over Premier League giant Manchester City at the Club World Cup.

"We knew we had to do something extraordinary if we were to beat Manchester City, and that is what the boys did tonight, the lads were simply wonderful," said Inzaghi after masterminding the shock of the tournament in Orlando.

"We had to be extraordinary because, well, Manchester City, we all know that team. So, we had to climb Everest without oxygen to win the game, and we made it.

"All the players were exceptional in everything, in the possession phase, non-possession phase," added the former Inter Milan coach, whose former club was defeated by Fluminense just hours earlier.

"It is only right in this moment, this evening, to enjoy this achievement up against the Manchester City of Guardiola. The heart that they put in tonight," he said.

Inzaghi had only been in charge of the team for a few days before its opening game, when his side drew with Real Madrid, and said the credit for the performance belongs with the players.

"It is barely three weeks that we are together, and you can see the level of application, they really put the effort in. As a coach, clearly that is very satisfying.

"The lads delivered that performance, they have reached the quarterfinals," he said.

City won all three of its group stage games, and, after a 5-2 win over Juventus in its last game before the knockout stage, it was viewed as one of the favorites for the title.

City boss Pep Guardiola praised the way Inzaghi's team had hurt his side on the counterattack.

"We were so open. When the crosses arrived, in the first action, they had the ability to pass the ball and attack, and they have quick players. We created a lot, and had a lot of chances against a team that defend so deep. They punished us on the transitions," he said.

AFP