Man City making top four would be a great success, says Pep Guardiola

By SABC Sport
10th March 2025

Pep Guardiola has stated that securing Champions League qualification would mark a "big success" for Manchester City's season.

City, who have been champions for the past four years, currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League with 10 games remaining. Guardiola has faced numerous challenges this season, particularly with injuries to key players, including the absence of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri since September.

Given these difficulties, Guardiola believes that securing a spot in the Champions League would be a significant achievement.

"Qualifying for the Champions League would be a big success, but the ultimate goal is to win it," Guardiola said.

"I want to qualify for the Champions League. It would not be ideal if we miss out, but I've seen what has happened with other teams in the Premier League before."

"Not qualifying for the Champions League would be a problem, but there are teams who didn't qualify in the past and have come back and made it," he added.

City could still secure a Champions League spot even if they finish in fifth place. Due to the strong performances of English clubs in UEFA competitions, the Premier League is set to be awarded an additional Champions League spot.

While this could serve as a safety net for City, Guardiola emphasized that it won't matter if his team cannot produce a winning streak before the season concludes.

"Whether there are five, six, or seven spots, we need to win games," Guardiola explained.

"In sports, sometimes details can make the difference in knockout rounds, but in the Premier League, over 38 games, if you can't finish in the top four or five, it's because we weren't good enough."

City will next face Brighton, who are in sixth place, at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Guardiola's side will be looking to bounce back after their 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest. Following the game, Guardiola noted that his team had struggled to move the ball quickly, while Ruben Dias suggested that the dry pitch at the City Ground may have contributed to the issues.

"With a dry pitch, it makes things a bit more difficult," Dias said.

"Last season, Fulham was the same. It depends on the weather and everyone's willingness to make the game fast.

"We're still in it, and we need to keep looking for spaces. They played with a low block, and we need to be as versatile as possible to find those spaces. They will always be there in one way or another. We just have to keep trying to do things better."