Manchester City Manager Reacts in Shock as Champions League Race Heats Up
i

Pep Guardiola, Man City manager || Imago

Manchester City Manager Reacts in Shock as Champions League Race Heats Up

Stephen Awino 12:00 - 23.04.2025

Manchester City are gunning for the FA Cup while also battling for a Champions League qualification spot.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is gearing up to guide the club through a season-defining period.

The Cityzens face an all-important home-stretch run of fixtures in the chase for a Champions League spot and an FA Cup semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest.

However, the Spaniard tactician is in disbelief over the campaign his side has had, despite not being at their usual best while competing for the league title and in Europe.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

Pep Guardiola on Manchester City's Campaign

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola instructs on the touchline against Aston Villa on April 23.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola instructs on the touchline against Aston Villa on April 23. (Credit: Imago).

The Cityzens won 2-1 courtesy of goals from Bernardo Silva and Matheus Nunes to further their Champions League spot aspirations.

Pep Guardiola has reflected on Manchester City’s campaign, saying he is in disbelief at where his charges find themselves.

The latter was a last-minute winner that left the City boss in awe.

"If you told me at the beginning of the season that at the end of it we would be fighting for the FA Cup final or to qualify for the Champions League with Nico and Matheus at full-back, I'd say: 'What are you talking about?'" said Guardiola, as quoted by the BBC Sports, in praise of Matheus Nunes and Nico O'Reilly

"He has physicality for when he has to run and sustain the wingers. Step by step he has been so important,” added Guardiola on Nunes.

The 2023 summer signing has proven to be an integral part of the City system recently in their quest for Champions League football and the FA Cup trophy.

Manchester City’s Quest for a Champions League Spot and the FA Cup

Pep Guardiola and Unai Emery
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery during a Premier League match (Credit: Imago)

The City boss has highlighted his team’s mentality going into the home stretch.

"Qualification for the Champions League is important, of course, but sometimes we have to be calm. We must focus on the semi-final and after we have days to prepare for the four 'finals'. Two at home, two away,” said Guardiola.

Manchester City, currently third on the EPL log, face Forest on Sunday in the FA Cup semi-final before turning their attention to Wolves in league action on May 2.