Guardiola Focuses on Securing Champions League Spot

Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, expressed confidence on Monday that his team is capable of securing a spot in the Premier League’s top five, ensuring their participation in next season’s Champions League.

With Liverpool having already clinched the Premier League title and Arsenal securing their top-five position, the battle for the remaining three Champions League spots remains intense.

Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa are currently tied with 66 points each after 37 games, while Manchester City sits in sixth place with 65 points but holds a game in hand.

The last instance of Manchester City missing out on Champions League qualification was during the 2009-10 season.

Guardiola emphasized the importance of earning their place in the Champions League, stating, “If we are not there, we don’t deserve it and will compete in the Europa League. It is what it is.” He conveyed this message to reporters prior to Tuesday’s home match against Bournemouth, who are currently 11th in the league.

“I believe we will qualify. I am focused on that. We require four more points, and that is our primary objective. I am completely confident in our ability to achieve this,” Guardiola added.

Manchester City aims to bounce back following their recent 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in Saturday’s FA Cup final.

“We performed well in the final, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Now, we have the final two games, and we need to accumulate four points to ensure our place in next year’s Champions League. Everyone needs to recognize the importance of this,” Guardiola stated.

The Spaniard also highlighted other teams’ successes, noting, “Newcastle won the Carabao Cup, Liverpool secured the Premier League title, and City claimed the Community Shield. The remaining teams did not win any silverware.”

City’s match against Bournemouth will be their final home game of the season, followed by an away game against Fulham, who are currently 10th in the league, to conclude the Premier League season on Sunday.

The Bournemouth game will also be Kevin De Bruyne’s final home appearance for City. The 33-year-old Belgian playmaker previously announced his departure from the club at the end of the season after a decade of success.

Guardiola noted, “We aim to secure a victory in the game to secure Champions League qualification for next season. This aligns with Kevin’s desires, and we want to give him the best possible send-off.”

“I will make decisions that optimize our chances of winning against Bournemouth. Kevin will receive the recognition he deserves, which includes the best possible performance and acknowledgement for his remarkable career,” Guardiola concluded.