As Manchester City prepares to face off against Brighton, manager Pep Guardiola emphasized that the team’s primary objective for this season, which has been underwhelming so far, is to secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League. To achieve this, the reigning champions must finish among the top four, currently sitting in fifth place with 47 points, just two points behind Chelsea. “Failing to make the Champions League wouldn’t be the end of the world,” Guardiola stated, “but if it happens, it means we weren’t good enough, and other teams deserved it more.” However, he remains committed to the goal, acknowledging that while their current position isn’t ideal, it’s not dire either, and the team’s fate is still in their hands.
With Arsenal and Chelsea, two teams ahead of Manchester City, set to face each other, Guardiola stressed the importance of his team fulfilling their obligation and defeating Brighton, who currently sits in seventh place but could surpass Manchester City with a win. “There’s always pressure at big clubs; we must always strive to do our best, regardless of the objective we’re playing for,” he pointed out. “The truth is, we’re trying to finish in the top four, and we’ll have an opportunity to climb to that level.” Guardiola also acknowledged the intense competition for Champions League spots, not just from the teams ahead in the standings but also from those trailing behind, with only three points separating Manchester City from the ninth-placed team.
As he surveyed the landscape, Guardiola recognized that multiple teams are vying for those coveted spots, all eager to secure a place in the Champions League next season. “Many, many teams are fighting for that objective; everyone wants to be in the Champions League,” he emphasized, refusing to rule out contenders like Newcastle, Brighton, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth. Meanwhile, Guardiola took the opportunity to praise the impressive run of Nottingham Forest, led by Portuguese manager Nuno EspÃrito Santo, who currently occupy third place with 51 points after defeating Manchester City in their previous match. “When a team is in third place after eight or ten games, it’s one thing, but when it happens with 11 games left, it’s because things are being done exceptionally well,” he said, impressed. “They defend incredibly well, are compact, aggressive, excellent on set pieces and transitions, and their front four are equally skilled, creating many scoring opportunities. They also have a great goalkeeper, experienced defenders, and a physically strong midfield,” he summarized, clearly enamored with Nottingham Forest’s performance.