Pep Guardiola: Man City face ‘9 finals’ to qualify for Champions League


While Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are in the unlikeliest of positions having to battle desperately for a Champions League berth next season, the manager did not mince his words in describing the enormity of the challenge.

City dropped points in a 2-2 Premier League home draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday to leave the champions provisionally in fifth place with nine games to go.

“Until the end, I think so,” Guardiola told reporters. “Nine games, nine finals.

“I’m always confident,” he added. “I am a master. I find the positiveness in everything. I know it will be difficult.”

Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush struck for City, who looked poised for victory at Etihad Stadium before City defender Abdukodir Khusanov’s own goal meant the teams had to settle for a point apiece, Brighton’s first at Etihad.

“It is a fact we won the first point here but more a disappointing feeling we didn’t go home with three points,” said Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler.

Haaland made history by achieving 100 Premier League goal involvements quicker than anyone before, in 94 games, six fewer than former Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and England striker Alan Shearer.

“Not bad,” Guardiola smiled.

The afternoon featured an unwanted record for the manager, however, as Khusanov’s own goal was the 40th conceded in the league this season, the most by any City team managed by Guardiola in a single campaign.

“We started the second half 2-1 up and had a good chance,” Guardiola said. “In the corner we were sloppy and they equalized then we were unstable. That is normal.

“We came back in the game and had really good moments. They had one clear chance then but we were there and we pushed until the end. We’ll take the point.”



Source link

  • Related Posts

    Arsenal beat Chelsea in derby that showed both side’s flaws

    LONDON — It was appropriate that this game took place while a trophy was being decided elsewhere. Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 at Emirates Stadium on Sunday in a Premier League…

    Vikings acquiring RB Jordan Mason in trade with Niners

    Kevin SeifertMar 15, 2025, 09:15 PM ET Close Kevin Seifert is a staff writer who covers the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL at ESPN. Kevin has covered the NFL for…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Pokemon TCG Pocket Promises To Fix Worst Feature, Eventually

    Pokemon TCG Pocket Promises To Fix Worst Feature, Eventually

    5 Best Shower Head Filter Options to Set Hair & Skin Up for Success

    5 Best Shower Head Filter Options to Set Hair & Skin Up for Success

    Survivors and relatives speak of their grief

    Survivors and relatives speak of their grief

    Trump faces economy red flags, and severe storms leave a trail of destruction: Weekend Rundown

    Trump faces economy red flags, and severe storms leave a trail of destruction: Weekend Rundown

    Trump administration touts deportations under Alien Enemies Act after a judge temporarily blocked its use

    Trump administration touts deportations under Alien Enemies Act after a judge temporarily blocked its use

    Man set on fire in New York City’s Times Square

    Man set on fire in New York City’s Times Square