Manchester City has learned a lesson about the rapid change of football over the past 12 months.
From a four-time champion to a second-place finisher in the Premier League. From the excitement of a 5-2 win over Juventus at the FIFA Club World Cup to the disappointment of being left out by Al Hilal four days later.
With Pep Guardiola and his players returning to Manchester, their task is relatively difficult: to regain the stability that has created the foundation for their success over the past decade. Guardiola can only hope for a quick recovery as they were when they were on the decline.
Speaking in a cramped press conference room at Camping World Stadium, the Spanish captain analyzed the defeat against Al Hilal. He spoke of his " regret" that The Citizens could not go further.
However, there is also a sense that the trip to the US has served a key purpose for Man City.
Guardiola has gathered his squad at a training base in Boca Raton, Florida, for more than two weeks. He also had time to get acquainted with new assistants, including Jurgen Klopp's former assistant, Pep Lijnders.
Players are allowed to bring their families to the team's hotel. Resuscitation and stretching sessions are performed on the beach. Day trips to Miami are also approved to fill your free time.
"We have gone an incredible journey together and we are in a good position. It really feels great," Guardiola said when asked about what he has gained from the FIFA Club World Cup.
Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gündogan, John Stones and Ederson have all pledged to stay this season. Phil Foden, who has been out of form for nearly a year, said it was "a fresh start, a new person".
Guardiola clearly likes that too. But when the tournament is over, the problems he was exempted from will return to haunt him.
First, there are decisions that need to be made about Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker. They have been left out of the FIFA Club World Cup group and both have been released from the Etihad this summer. But with no progress yet, Guardiola will have to decide whether to bring the pair back to the squad or completely deport them.
Kalvin Phillips and James McAtee are in a similar situation, although not as famous as Grealish and Walker.
Man City's squad reduction is unlikely to stop there. Guardiola said at the end of last season that he would rather quit than work with too many players.
Among the Man City players who have gone to the US, young players Vitor Reis and Claudio Echeverri could be on loan. Abdukodir Khusanov is another candidate for a temporary departure.
Then there are the more veteran players.
Gündogan is currently of interest to Galatasaray. The German player faces fierce competition in midfield as Rodri has returned and Tijjani Reijnders joined from AC Milan. Gündogan scored twice at the FIFA Club World Cup, but was substituted early in the second half against Al Hilal when City started to collapse.
Like Gündogan, Stones also wanted to stay at the Etihad. However, Guardiola has stressed that he only wants Persistent players, while Stones has not played a single minute in the United States and has been absent since February.
City's defense - both personnelally and organizationally - is another problem.
There are concerns about Manuel Akanji's form. Nathan Ake's injury record is also against this player. In addition, Guardiola does not have a real defender.
full-back Matheus Nunes was impressed in attack, but there were concerns about his defensive ability. City have considered Juventus' Andrea Cambiaso and Tino Livramento for the past 6 months, and it is still unclear whether they will make a recruitment move.
City's early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup has given Guardiola time. He will face the prospect of having to prepare for the Premier League season in just one or two weeks if they reach the final on July 13. The defeat to Al Hilal means Man City players will have more rest and Guardiola will also have more time on the pitch before the opening match on August 16.
When asked to summarize his time in the US, Guardiola gave a profound answer. "I feel happy to be here," Guardiola said with a smile.
Guardiola's task is to continue working when everything has returned to a more brutal reality.
