Man City face fight to qualify for Champions League says Guardiola

MANCHESTER – Manchester City’s eighth English Premier League defeat of the season after their 2-0 home loss to Liverpool on Feb 23 have left them 20 points off the pace set by their opponents, but of more immediate concern for Pep Guardiola is making sure they qualify for the Champions League.

The victory at the Etihad left Liverpool 11 points clear at the top and seemingly with one hand already on the trophy that Guardiola’s side have owned for the last four seasons in a record run.

The reality for City now is that they face a scrap to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition, which they have been ever-present in since 2011. With 12 games remaining, they are in fourth place with 44 points, just five ahead of 10th-placed Fulham.

Guardiola acknowledged that his side have a fight on their hands to secure Champions League qualification.

“If it doesn’t happen it’s because we were not good enough, not because a lack of hunger and desire. We saw it against Newcastle (United) and we saw it again today,” he told reporters on Feb 23, while referring to City’s 4-0 win on Feb 15.

“It is so tight with four or five teams and Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Aston Villa are so good. It will not be easy, but we will try. If it happens, it’s because we deserve it. If it doesn’t, it’s because we were not good enough.”

City dominated possession against Liverpool but lacked any cutting edge without the injured Erling Haaland and were picked off in clinical fashion by Arne Slot’s relentless side.

Asked about the gap that has opened up between the two sides, Guardiola sounded an upbeat note.

“The distance in the Premier League is a reality. If you analyse the game today, it was really