Guardiola Admits Manchester City Must Earn Champions League Spot

Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Manchester City would not deserve a place in next season’s Champions League if they fail to finish in the Premier League’s top five.

City, currently sitting sixth in the table, have endured a difficult season, ending the campaign without a trophy for the first time since 2017. With just one point separating them from Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, Guardiola remains optimistic about securing qualification, stating that his target is to finish third.

The manager emphasized that if City fail to qualify, they will have to accept playing in the Europa League, reinforcing the idea that Champions League participation must be earned through performance. His comments come just days after City’s FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, adding further pressure to their remaining fixtures.

Tuesday’s match against Bournemouth will be the final home game for long-serving midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season. Guardiola stressed that his priority, along with De Bruyne’s, is ensuring City secures a Champions League spot.