Pep Guardiola admitted that Manchester City’s Champions League exit is now a “reality” after a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain away from home.
City fell to 25th place in the standings, which made it exit from the knockout stages through the new system, after squandering a two-goal lead at the Parc des Princes Stadium.
Goals from Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland lifted Guardiola’s side to 18th place, but that was short-lived, as PSG scored three goals in 22 minutes in a 4-2 win, leaving City two points behind 24th-placed Stuttgart ahead of their last match. “Chance” against Club Brugge on January 29.
“We have the last chance at home against Brugge and we hope we can qualify,” Guardiola said after the match.
“It could happen, if we don’t win we don’t deserve it. It’s always a difficult encounter, that’s the reality, we didn’t get enough points and we have to accept that. We have to do what we have to do.
“We couldn’t adapt. When a team is better, I have no problem accepting that. Now we are preparing for Chelsea and the final.” [game] Against Club Brugge. We need to beat them.
“This is what we have to do, survive and try to move forward. I know the players try and have doubts, but when the team is better you have to accept that.”
Guardiola: The schedule is fair
When asked if seeing his side sitting in 25th place in the Champions League standings was a fair reflection of their performances in Europe, Guardiola added: “Is the table fair? Of course it is.”
“What is the argument that makes us say that this is unfair? We are still in this position, we have struggled against the top teams. We have to accept that and recover.”
Grealish: We’re missing a lot of leads
Man City forward Jack Grealish talk to TNT Sport:
“We’re usually in very good shape in these moments. It’s happened so many times this season, we’ve been ahead by one, two or three goals and we haven’t been able to continue.
“In both seasons we managed the games very well.
“I don’t know if it’s a confidence issue. It’s up to us to change that to move forward and win that game next week.” [vs Club Brugge].
“We’ve had games like this in recent seasons. Big pressure games and we’ll need that. It’s up to us and we’re really good at home.”
Enrique: Football is sometimes unfair
Despite moving up to 22nd place after their stunning win, Paris Saint-Germain are still not guaranteed a place in the knockout stages with coach Luis Enrique well aware of the challenge that awaits them.
He said after the match: “Football is sometimes unfair, and other times it is unbelievable.” “When we scored it was a new energy for everyone. We need to win our last game against Stuttgart.
“We are one of the best young teams in the Champions League, and in terms of confidence that is amazing. It showed everyone that they are ready to work and suffer as a team, even against a team like Manchester City.”
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