Pep Guardiola says Man City’s Champions League spot won’t fall from sky

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned his players, stating that the club’s Champions League spot won’t fall from sky. The Cityzens suffered a 0-1 loss against third-placed Nottm Forest at the City Ground on Saturday.

After a goalless first half, Callum Hudson Odoi scored for the home team in the 83rd minute to give all three points to his team.

This was City’s ninth loss of the season and they are (fourth place) only one point ahead of Chelsea, who have one game in hand.

Guardiola admitted his team needs to play better to finish among the top four and qualify for next year’s Champions Trophy.

“We have to play better,” the City boss said.

“We have to do something, it [Champions League qualification] will not come from the sky. Of course, the situation is what it is. Ten games left, next Saturday against Brighton and after we will see what happens.”

Earlier in the game, Ederson was able to keep Hudson Odoi at bay but he was beaten by the English winger on the near post in the 83rd minute. Guardiola, however, didn’t blame his goalkeeper.

“It is what it is,” said Guardiola. “I never blame a player. I didn’t see the action.”

The visitors could only take three shots on target out of the 14 shots they attempted despite starting with Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Savinho, and Jérémy Doku and bringing Kevin De Bruyne and Omar Marmoush off the bench.

“It was a tight game,” Guardiola added. “At the end, one action on a transition, we missed a pass, and they did a transition and scored.

“We were a little slow in our process. We struggled to make chances but I always give credit to the opponent because they defended really well. Everyone was so connected.

“Our game was a little bit slow, we couldn’t contact with the final third and when we arrived in the final third we didn’t have the brilliance.”

Manchester City will next take on Brighton at the Etihad on Saturday.