Pep Guardiola was delighted by Manchester City’s qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League with the Spanish tactician admitting that it’s “like a title” for his side considering the difficulties they faced this season.
What happened?
Guardiola oversaw his worst campaign as Manchester City boss after a mid-season slump left his side out of the Premier League title conversation as well as in danger of missing out on Champions League football next season.
However, the Citizyens turned things around after finding their rhythm again in the last stretch of the season. Guardiola’s charges put together a ten game unbeaten run to finish in third place, with only three points separating them and second placed Arsenal.
City closed out the season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Fulham courtesy of goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland to secure that third position much to the delight of their manager Guardiola.
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What did Guardiola say?
“We started really well and after that we had the momentum,” Guardiola told BBC Match of The Day.
“It was in our hands, and we did our job. It’s been a tough year, but we never gave up. I’m very proud and pleased for the team. Now we will recover, and next season will be better.
“It’s [Champions League qualification] like a title, because of the obstacles. When you continue [a run of poor form], you finish 10th, 11th, 12th or 13th.
“This is the destiny of all the teams in the Premier League when they are in November, December or January, and you cannot fight for the Premier League, like you have done for many years.
“People can say, ‘I don’t want to fight again, just to qualify for the Europa League’. We continued playing good, and we were there [in position to seal Champions League qualification] and we did it.
“At the end, we finished third, not miles away from Arsenal, but the distance to Liverpool is huge. We have to improve, and hopefully we can do it.”
What next?
It’s back to the drawing board for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City as they will be looking to comeback stronger next season with the ultimate goal of reclaiming their throne from Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Fulham can be delighted with their season after recording their highest-ever points haul (54) in the Premier League. Going into next season, the focus for Marco Silva’s side will be how they can break into one of those European football qualification spots.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
