EPL: Pep Guardiola Urges Manchester City to Focus on Top-Four Finish

Pep Guardiola has admitted that Manchester City's slump has ended their title hopes, with the team now focusing on a top-four finish.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is relying on the unwavering support of the team's fans to help turn their fortunes around. Despite a recent string of poor results, Guardiola believes the City faithful will rally behind the team, drawing on the memories of their recent successes.

Manchester City's current struggles are a far cry from their dominance of the Premier League in recent years, with six titles won in the last seven seasons. However, the team is currently mired in a seven-game winless streak across all competitions, and a fourth consecutive league defeat at Liverpool on Sunday has seen them slip to fifth in the standings.

Manchester City's unexpected slump has raised concerns about their ability to compete for major honors, a scenario the club has not faced in years. However, manager Pep Guardiola remains optimistic that the team's loyal fanbase will continue to support them through this challenging period.

Guardiola emphasized the importance of the fans' backing, stating: “We need them because the situation is what it is. They have always been there and have this feeling.” The manager's comments came during a press conference ahead of Wednesday's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.

“They know what these guys have done in the last decade, there are many good moments we've lived together and we know we absolutely need the support.

“All of us, especially the players, are human beings and are willing to give everything to change the dynamic.”

Defending champions Manchester City currently sit with 23 points from 13 matches, trailing leaders Liverpool by 11 points. However, they are only two points behind second-placed Arsenal and third-placed Chelsea, leaving them within striking distance of the top four.

Manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that City's title aspirations are no longer realistic, and instead, the team must adopt a more pragmatic approach. Guardiola emphasized the need to focus on the present, stating: “We cannot think about the results we've had in the past and to think about the big targets (the title) would be a big mistake.”

“We must try to beat a team that is close to us, to take advantage of them and to be close to the top four... we will try to win games because that's what you have to try to do.

“I would say we are not far for the team in second position, but it is always the way you play, how consistent you are in the boxes that gives you the positive thoughts of what's going to happen in the future.

“Liverpool have been magnificent and you cannot fight against that situation. We have to have moments that are more productive and after that it's step-by-step to go forward.”

Manchester City's struggles may intensify as they prepare to face Nottingham Forest, a team that has consistently punched above their weight and currently sits sixth in the Premier League, just one point behind City.

City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his admiration for Forest's strengths, saying: “(They have) strong physicality, a good manager (Nuno Espirito Santo) and good experience like Brighton & Hove Albion and other teams.” Guardiola also acknowledged Forest's impressive consistency, stating: “It's not just one or two games, it's a lot of games that's been played in the Premier League and they're in the top positions so it means they are good.”