Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has emphasized the urgency of his team’s remaining 10 Premier League matches, calling them “10 finals” as City fights for a top-four finish and a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Guardiola’s comments came after his side suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Friday. The solitary goal came from Callum Hudson-Odoi in the 85th minute, giving Forest a vital three points.
This defeat leaves Manchester City in fourth place, on 47 points, but with the risk of dropping further down the table depending on the results of Chelsea and Newcastle United, who play their fixtures this weekend.
“We have 10 games left, and every game is a final if we want to qualify for the Champions League,” said Guardiola in his post-match interview with TNT Sports. “We know the Premier League is getting tougher every season, and tonight was a clear reminder of that.”
City’s chances of securing Champions League qualification are under increasing pressure as they edge closer to the business end of the season. With Chelsea and Newcastle in hot pursuit, the defending champions must find a way to bounce back quickly and secure critical points in the weeks ahead.
Guardiola remained focused on the task at hand, adding: “We have no choice but to win. We’ll take it one game at a time.”
With only 10 games left, every point will be crucial for City’s hopes of finishing in the top four and competing at Europe’s elite level next season.
