Pep Guardiola has admitted 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, but is confident his side will qualify.
Man City are enduring a disappointing season by their high standards, set to end the campaign without a trophy for the first time since 2017.
The Citizens are currently sitting in sixth position in the Premier League table ahead of Tuesday’s home clash against Bournemouth, with one point behind Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, all of whom they have a game in hand over.
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With the top five Premier League teams set to qualify for next season’s Champions League, Guardiola made it clear that the responsibility lies with his team.
“If we are not in the Champions League, it’s because we don’t deserve it,” Guardiola said on Monday. “And we’ll play in the Europa League. So it is what it is.”
Despite a painful recent FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace, Guardiola remains upbeat.
“I’m thinking we’re going to qualify,” he said. “To finish in third position in the Premier League, that is my target.”
Tuesday’s match at the Etihad Stadium will be the final home game for long-serving Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season.
Manchester City have been a constant presence in Europe’s top club competition since the 2011/12 season, a streak Guardiola is determined to extend.
