Pep Guardiola Warns Manchester City Players That Champions League Qualification Is Not Guaranteed

Manchester City's top-four hopes are hanging in the balance after their defeat at Nottingham Forest, with manager Pep Guardiola emphasizing the importance of winning games in a row to secure Champions League qualification.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a stern warning to his players, emphasizing that Champions League qualification will not be easily achieved after their disappointing 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The loss, which came courtesy of Callum Hudson-Odoi's 83rd-minute strike, marked City's ninth league defeat of the season, their highest total since the 2019-20 campaign. This setback has left Guardiola's side anxiously looking over their shoulder in the top-four race, with their Champions League qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

Guardiola is aware that City must overcome their current lethargy, which has characterized their astonishing decline this season. To secure a spot in Europe's elite club competition next season, City will need to rediscover their form and momentum, starting with their upcoming matches.

Pep Guardiola has emphasized the importance of winning games in a row to secure Champions League qualification, stating, “We have to win games. We don't win enough games in a row to be secure. We have 10 games left, we have to win a lot of games to qualify. This is how it is.”

FULL-TIME | Defeat.

🌳 1-0 💛 #ManCity | @okx pic.twitter.com/hL4btjWdsa

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 8, 2025

Guardiola acknowledged that City's current situation is precarious, but he is focused on finding a solution. “To find a way we have to play better. We have to do something, it doesn't come from the sky. Of course, the situation is what it is,” he said. Looking ahead to their remaining matches, Guardiola added, “Ten games left, starting against Brighton next Saturday, international break afterwards and we'll see what happens.”

PEP 💬 (On the race for Champions League football) We have 10 games to qualify, we have to win games to qualify and we move on to the next one.

We knew the game would be difficult. Every season the Premier League gets better and better. We have 10 finals and the next one we… pic.twitter.com/jeW8PLvmF2

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 8, 2025

City's error-prone season continued as Ederson made a mistake that allowed Callum Hudson-Odoi to score the winning goal, squeezing his shot past the goalkeeper at the near post. Despite this, Guardiola refused to criticize Ederson, saying, “It is what it is, we can't blame a player, I prefer to praise than blame.”

Guardiola also downplayed the significance of Ederson's error, stating, “I didn't see the action. It happens in football, nothing to say.” City's defeat has left them in a precarious position, four points behind third-placed Forest and only one point ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea, who host Leicester on Sunday.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo expressed his delight with his team's performance, saying, “We are very happy. We did a very good game against a tough team.” He acknowledged the caliber of their opponents, adding, “We are talking about the best teams around. It always gives you the confidence that you can compete well against such good players.”

Nuno emphasized the importance of this win in the team's growth, stating, “It allows us to grow as a team, but it doesn't change the opponent ahead of you because the Premier League is very tough.” He stressed that every good performance and result is crucial, saying, “Every good performance we have and every good result we have is always what we look for.”

The Forest manager urged his team to maintain their focus and approach, saying, “It doesn't change anything. It's about the focus and the approach of the games. Let's enjoy the journey together.” He praised his players and fans, adding, “The players are doing amazing, the fans are giving us help, so let's keep on enjoying.”

Nuno also took a moment to send his best wishes to Forest legend Stuart Pearce, who is currently recovering in hospital in Canada after falling ill on a flight. “Stuart is not just a legend of our club, he is part of our family,” Nuno said. “We all send him our very best wishes and hope he has a full and fast recovery.”