Man City must be optimistic about finishing season well, says Pep Guardiola
Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is proud of how his team have adapted, despite the loss of key players through injuries.
PHOTO: REUTERS
MANCHESTER – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he was pleased with the way the reigning English Premier League champions have adapted without key players, and stressed his side will have to be optimistic about chasing Champions League qualification.
City’s campaign has been hindered by a rash of injuries, with Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, twice Premier League Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland as well as defenders John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake among those sidelined.
City are sixth in the table with 52 points, trailing fourth-placed Chelsea by one point with seven matches left. Just six points separate Nottingham Forest in third from Aston Villa in seventh.
However, Guardiola’s side received a massive boost after the Premier League was guaranteed at least five teams in the 2025-26 Champions League after Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on April 8.
“(Injuries) happened all season, we adapt. You can see it as a problem or a challenge, the position is a disaster or it could be worse,” Guardiola told reporters on the eve of their April 12 game against 11th-placed Crystal Palace at home.
“I’m happy with the way we handled the situation and where we are. The challenge is to qualify for the Champions League next season; the home games, difficult ones we have and tomorrow we have a team in incredible top form in the last month or two months.
“Always, it’s difficult with Palace here. I admire a lot the manager (Oliver Glasner) and way they play, the talent and physicality there are no doubts. But we have to be optimistic to finish well this season.”
Guardiola also welcomed the introduction of semi-automated offsides, which will be used for the first time in the Premier League this weekend for all matches.
The system has been used in the Champions League since the group stage of the 2022-23 season, and made its debut in English football in the fifth round of the FA Cup in February.
“I think the reason why (it is being introduced) is to make it quicker, right? Offside is offside, not offside if not offside – well done, (I) welcome it, it will be better,” he said.
With Belgian playmaker Kevin de Bruyne, 33, leaving City at the end of the season after 10 highly successful years, the club are expected to do some transfer business in the close-season window but Guardiola was tight-lipped about their plans.
“I don’t know what will happen (in the summer),” the 54-year-old Spaniard said.
“Of course, the club is working but we won’t have 45 players in the squad, it’s not sustainable for the emotion of the team. Except Kevin, they all have a contract and we will see how they behave, how we are. We’re going to see.”
Guardiola was also asked about winger Jack Grealish and midfielder Phil Foden, after the duo were involved in incidents with Manchester United fans in the 0-0 Manchester derby at Old Trafford on April 6.
A 20-year-old man was charged with assault for allegedly slapping Grealish at the end of match, British media said. Fellow England international Foden was subjected to insulting chants during the first half of the game.
“It’s happening everywhere – it is a crazy world. Everything is happening all around the world – it is not just a sport issue,” Guardiola said.
“It is not about United, a specific club or department of football. It is happening everywhere.
“Take a look around and you will realise. I think we aren’t on the right path. He (Grealish) doesn’t feel good, but we move forward.”
Palace will be without England centre-back Marc Guehi and forward Eddie Nketiah as the duo are suspended, while defender Chadi Riad (knee) and midfielder Cheick Doucoure (knee) are out injured.
City may have fallen from their lofty perch, but Glasner said the Eagles “have huge respect for Manchester City”.
“It’s a great team with one of the best managers in the last decade in the Premier League, but we approach with confidence and our goal isn’t to go away unbeaten but to win the game,” he added.
REUTERS, AFP
