Football/Manchester City: Guardiola admits Champions League Qualification hangs in the balance

Pep Guardiola has expressed concerns about Manchester City’s ability to secure https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/dec/25/pep-guardiola-fears-manchester-city-will-miss-out-on-champions-leaguea Champions League spot for next season, marking a dramatic shift for a team accustomed to dominating English football.

Currently seventh in the Premier League after 17 matches, City are four points adrift of fourth-placed Nottingham Forest and trail fifth-placed Bournemouth by a single point.

Despite England’s strong position in UEFA’s European Performance Spot table, Guardiola’s side would miss out on Europe’s elite competition if the standings remain unchanged.

Speaking ahead of their Boxing Day clash with Everton, Guardiola highlighted City’s faltering form, with just four points earned in their last eight games.

He also acknowledged the growing competition, with clubs like Aston Villa, Fulham, and Brighton in close contention.

« The Champions League is not guaranteed, » Guardiola admitted. « If we are not winning games, we will be out. It’s as simple as that. »

City’s recent slump contrasts sharply with their reputation as perennial qualifiers, having secured a spot in the competition for 14 consecutive seasons.

However, Guardiola drew parallels to other English giants like Manchester United and Arsenal, who have endured extended absences from Europe’s top stage.

With matches against lower-ranked sides Everton, Leicester, and West Ham on the horizon, Guardiola knows his team must capitalize to avoid further jeopardizing their European hopes.

 « If we don’t qualify, it’s because we didn’t deserve it, » he said, underscoring the urgency of their situation.