'We're Definitely At Risk's - Guardiola Admits Man City Could Miss Out On Champions League Spot

Manchester City, under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola, finds itself in a precarious position regarding qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.

The club, which has been a consistent presence in Europe's premier club competition for 14 consecutive seasons, is now grappling with the possibility of missing out on this prestigious tournament.

This potential exclusion marks a major shift for a team that has dominated English football in recent years, winning the Premier League title six times in the last seven seasons.

The current situation is a stark contrast to City's usual high standards. They are currently positioned seventh in the Premier League standings, trailing fourth-placed Nottingham Forest by four points and fifth-placed Bournemouth by just one point.

This places them outside the automatic qualification spots for the Champions League, a scenario that seemed unthinkable at the start of the season. Guardiola's side has suffered a dramatic downturn in form, losing nine of their last 12 matches across all competitions, including six defeats in their last eight Premier League games.

Guardiola has openly acknowledged the risk of not qualifying for the Champions League, stating, "We are definitely at risk. If we don't qualify, it is because we don't deserve it, because we were not prepared, because we have a lot of problems and didn't solve those problems, and didn't find a way to win games." This candid admission highlights the challenges facing the club as they navigate this difficult period.

The implications of missing out on the Champions League are massive, both financially and in terms of prestige. Guardiola noted, "Financial is an issue, of course it is, but it's not just that. I know what it is because it happened at clubs in this country, many years they were dominant and after have been many years not qualifying for the Champions League." The financial repercussions could affect the club's ability to attract top talent and maintain its competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.

City's struggles have been compounded by injuries to key players. Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder Rodri has been sidelined since September with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while defender Ruben Dias is also currently out of action. Additionally, goalkeeper Ederson and midfielder Matheus Nunes missed the recent match against Aston Villa, further depleting Guardiola's options.

Despite these challenges, Guardiola remains optimistic about finding solutions to the team's current woes. He emphasized the need for everyone involved with the club to step up their efforts, saying, "Everyone has to do more, simple. I have to, the players have to. Even uncomfortable things and difficult things, have to do more." This call to action signifies the urgency of the situation as City seeks to turn their season around.

The upcoming fixtures provide City with an opportunity to improve their standing. They face Everton at home on Boxing Day, followed by matches against Leicester and West Ham, all of whom are in the bottom seven of the Premier League. These games represent a chance for City to gain valuable points and close the gap on the teams above them in the table.

Guardiola's relationship with City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and other key figures within the club remains strong, with the manager expressing confidence in their support. "When there is a moment that something wrong happens we are going to take decisions, but I feel incredible support from him – of course from Txiki (Begiristain, director of football at City), Ferran (Soriano, chief executive), but especially Khaldoon in those terms," Guardiola stated. This backing will be crucial as the club navigates this challenging period.

The threat to City's Champions League aspirations comes not only from their own struggles but also from unexpected contenders in the league. Teams like Aston Villa, Newcastle, Fulham, and Brighton are all within striking distance, adding to the competitive pressure. Guardiola acknowledged the strength of the competition, noting, "There are a lot of contenders. For every club, it is so important. And right now, we are out, and if we are not winning games, we will be out."