Guardiola Urges Manchester City to Conclude Season Strongly Following Campaign Challenges

On Friday, Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola expressed satisfaction with how the reigning Premier League champions have adapted in the absence of key players and highlighted the necessity for optimism as they pursue Champions League qualification.

The season has presented challenges for City due to a string of injuries, with prominent players such as Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, two-time Premier League Golden Boot recipient Erling Haaland, and defenders John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake all currently sidelined.

Currently sitting sixth in the league with 52 points, City trails fourth-placed Chelsea by just one point with seven matches remaining.

However, Guardiola’s squad was given a significant boost when the Premier League was confirmed to provide at least five teams for the 2025-26 Champions League following Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.

“Injuries have been a theme all season; we adapt,” Guardiola remarked to reporters ahead of Saturday’s home clash against Crystal Palace, who sit in 11th place. “You can view it as a problem or a challenge; the current position could be dire, but it could be worse.”

“I’m pleased with how we’ve managed the circumstances and our current standing.”

“The objective is to secure Champions League qualification for next season; the upcoming home games will be tough, and tomorrow we are facing a team that has been in exceptional form for the last month or two.”

“Playing against Palace is always a challenge; I have great admiration for their manager (Oliver Glasner) and the way they play. The talent and physicality on their side are undeniable. However, we must maintain a positive mindset to finish the season strongly.”

Transfer Plans

With 33-year-old Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne set to depart City at the conclusion of the season after a decade of significant achievements, the club is anticipated to engage in transfer activities during the upcoming summer window. However, Guardiola remained tight-lipped regarding their intentions.

“I’m unsure what will unfold in the summer,” he stated.

“The club is certainly planning ahead, but we can’t accommodate 45 players in the squad; it’s not feasible for the morale of the team.”

“Aside from Kevin, all players have contracts, and we’ll monitor their performances and our condition. We will evaluate what lies ahead.”

Guardiola also addressed the situations involving winger Jack Grealish and midfielder Phil Foden, following both players encountering issues with Manchester United supporters during Sunday’s scoreless Manchester derby at Old Trafford.

Media reports indicate that a 20-year-old man has been charged with assault for allegedly slapping Grealish at the end of the match.

Fellow England international Foden faced disrespectful chants during the first half of the fixture.

“It’s a pervasive issue—it’s a chaotic world. Such incidents are happening everywhere; it’s not simply a problem within sport,” the Spaniard remarked.

“This isn’t about United or a specific football club or sector; it’s a widespread issue. If you look around, you’ll realize it. I don’t think we’re on the right path.”

“Grealish isn’t in a good state of mind, but we must push forward.”