Pep Guardiola says Man City face ‘9 finals’ to qualify for Champions League

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said it will be a do-or-die situation for the club in order to qualify for the next season’s Champions League. The Cityzens played a 2-2 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

After this draw, the Sky Blues slipped to fifth position in the Premier League standings. Chelsea, are now in fourth place with 49 whereas Manchester City has 48 points.

With still nine games left in the season, the Spaniard understands what is at stake.

“Until the end, I think so,” Guardiola told reporters. “Nine games, nine finals.

“I’m always confident,” he added. “I am a master. I find the positiveness in everything. I know it will be difficult.”

Meanwhile, Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush scored first-half goals for the home team but an own goal from defender Abdukodir Khusanov made them share points. This was Brighton’s maiden win at Etihad.

“It is a fact we won the first point here but more a disappointing feeling we didn’t go home with three points,” said Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler.

On the other hand, Erling Haaland made history as he completed 100 goals in 94 Premier League matches, six games less than former England legend Alan Shearer.

“Not bad,” Guardiola smiled.

“We started the second half 2-1 up and had a good chance,” Guardiola said on the game. “In the corner we were sloppy and they equalized then we were unstable. That is normal.

“We came back in the game and had really good moments. They had one clear chance then but we were there and we pushed until the end. We’ll take the point.”

Manchester City will next take on Bournemouth in the FA Cup at the Vitality Stadium on 30th March.