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

    Hanshin Tigers shut out Cubs, Dodgers for back-to-back wins

    Mar 16, 2025, 06:18 AM ET TOKYO — For two days in Japan, it’s the Hanshin Tigers who have looked like the class of the National League. In another sign…

    Mookie Betts still struggling with illness, could miss opener

    Mar 16, 2025, 08:30 AM ET TOKYO — Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is still struggling to recover from an illness, with manager Dave Roberts pessimistic that the eight-time…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published.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

    You Missed

    The Best 3-in-1 Apple Charging Stations (2025)

    The Best 3-in-1 Apple Charging Stations (2025)

    Hanshin Tigers shut out Cubs, Dodgers for back-to-back wins

    Hanshin Tigers shut out Cubs, Dodgers for back-to-back wins

    8 Things To Know About Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii

    8 Things To Know About Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii

    These 5 West African Wellness Practices Are Key To My Self-Care Regime

    These 5 West African Wellness Practices Are Key To My Self-Care Regime

    Pope Francis says he faces ‘period of trial’ in health update

    Pope Francis says he faces ‘period of trial’ in health update

    Missouri man grieves after fiancée found dead near downed power lines

    Missouri man grieves after fiancée found dead near downed power lines