Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City’s exit from the Champions League is now a “reality” after their 4-2 away defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
City have dropped to 25th in the table, leaving them out of the knockout stages in the new format, after losing a two-goal lead at the Parc des Princes.
Goals from Jack Grealish and Erling Holland lifted Guardiola’s side up to 18th, but it was short-lived as PSG scored three times in 22 minutes in a 4-2 win that left City two points clear of 24th-placed Stuttgart and entered “last” chance game against Brugge on January 29th.
“We have the last chance at home with Club Brugge and I hope we can qualify,” Guardiola said after the match.
“It can happen if we don’t win, it’s always a difficult draw, we don’t have enough points and we have to do what we have.
“We couldn’t overcome it. When the team is better, I have no problem accepting it. Now we are preparing for the final against Club Brugge. We have to beat them.
“This is what we have to do, survive and try to move on. I know the players are trying and they have doubts, but when the team is better, you have to accept it.”
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Danny Mills reacts as PSG pull two goals back against Manchester City after trailing at half-time
Guardiola: The table is fair
Asked whether seeing his side sit 25th in the Champions League table is a fair reflection of their performances in Europe, Guardiola added: “Is the table fair?
“What’s the argument to say it’s not fair? We’re still in this position, we’re fighting against top teams. We have to accept that and recover.”
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Keith Downey delivered the verdict from the Parc des Princes as Manchester City lost 4-2 to PSG, leaving the English champions on the brink of Champions League exit.
Grealish: We are losing too many leads
Man City ahead Jack Grealish talking to TNT Sports:
“Usually we’re so good in these moments. It’s happened so many times this season, going one, two or three goals ahead and not being able to see it.
“Every other season we’ve run the games so well.
PSG’s Bradley Barcola celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal against Manchester City
“I don’t know if it’s a matter of confidence or not. We just have to change that step and win that game next week (against Club Brugge”).
“We’ve had games like this in recent seasons. Big pressure games and we’re going to need it. It’s up to us and we’re really good at home.”
Enrique: Football is unfair sometimes
Despite a stunning comeback to climb to 22nd place, PSG are still not guaranteed a place in the knockout play-offs as their manager Luis Enrique is well aware of the challenge ahead.
“Football is sometimes unfair, sometimes unbelievable,” he said after the match. “When we scored, it was a new energy for everyone. We have to win our last game against Stuttgart.
“We are one of the best young teams in the Champions League and it’s amazing for confidence. It showed everyone that they are ready to work and suffer as a team, even against a team like Manchester City.”
